WHO allies with LGU Kapalong; to fortify Immunization Program through education

Kapalong, Davao del Norte -- Endeavoring to restrengthen the National Immunization Program, Abnet Samuel, World Health Organization (WHO) Consultant; along with Glorrieta Oclant, DOH XI NIP Manager; Alma Ugitom, PHO-DDN Cold Chain Manager; Loreen Salazar, Relief International Project Officer; Athieza Laarni Ganal, RN., MHO Kapalong NIP Coordinator; and Dr. Louilyn H. Exala, Municipal Health Officer, conducted a supportive supervisory visit on National Immunization Program (NIP) with Mayor Maria Theresa Royo-Timbol, on November 12, 2024 at Municipal Mayor's Office.

According to Samuel, there is a need to seek a feasible approach in order to strengthen the program in far-flung areas of the municipality, especially in Barangay Gupitan.

"We need to look [at] what method is feasible for them," the WHO consultant said.

Looking at education as a good avenue for expanding the reach of the program and other health services, Mayor Timbol encouraged health officers to partner with the Department of Education (DepEd) citing, "In barangay Gupitan, we have 35 schools [...] we will coordinate with the district office."

Moreover, the mayor also emphasized that through the same strategy, the LGU managed to put an end to the scabies outbreak that happened last year in Brgy. Gupitan.

Part of the discussion was the agreement to consider that, in a misinformation-prone community, in-school general assemblies hold utmost importance. Therefore, a plan for holding meetings in the target community will be carried out in the succeeding days.