Davao City hosted the National Immunization Program Summit on Tuesday to focus on children who have not received any vaccination, ensuring they get protection against preventable diseases.

Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, officer-in-charge of the City Health Office (CHO), said healthy children will lead to a healthier future.

“We thank everyone who joined us. The World Health Organization (WHO) has asked us to strengthen our immunization efforts, especially in remote areas,” he said.

Ababon said the WHO specifically urged reaching out to the city’s 11 tribes in isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“I assured them we have health workers assigned to these remote areas. Our goal in Davao is to place doctors in every barangay,” he said, noting the challenge given the city’s 182 villages.

Dr. Julinda Acosta, CHO’s technical services division chief, reported strong support from doctors and village officials.

“We asked our barangay health workers to help spread the word about the importance of vaccination. We also worked with private doctors who sent their immunization reports to our office,” Acosta said.

The CHO plans to conduct school-based vaccinations for measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria for Grade 1 and Grade 7 students.

Additionally, it will offer human papillomavirus vaccinations for Grade 4 girls aged 9 to 14. (PNA)