IPHO chief: Maguindanao armed hostilities, displacement did not stop anti-polio vaccination

DATU HOFFER, Maguindanao  - Even an armed conflict have not stopped health providers in Maguindanao to conduct massive anti-polio vaccination, a health official said.

This amid reports that two of seven confirmed polio cases in the country were from the province.

Military surgical offensives have been on going in most part of Maguindanao’s second district against Dawla Islamiya terrorist group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the first phase of polio vaccination was successfully implemented.

Dr. Elizabeth Samama, Maguindanao acting provincial health officer, told reporters they are now 96 percent  in the total target of children for oral polio vaccination.

She said military officers and policemen joined them during the massive vaccination campaign.

“Malaki talaga ang tulong nila (referring to security forces) given itong mga displacements, inassure nila kami nap ag pumasok sa mga areas na may kaguluhan, eh talagang pinoprotektahan naman nila kami, kaya halos na reach naming yung target naming,” Samama said after thje launching of Malasakit Center in the provincial hospital with Sen. Bong Go as guest of honor.

She lauded the soldiers for their heroic service in joining them during the vaccination campaign. She said the process was quick since the children are with their parents in evacuation sites.

The successful vaccination was also made possible with the help of village officials, civil society groups and Muslim religious leaders, including international non-government organizations.

“Even relatives and families of the rebels headed to our calls to this massive vaccination program,” Samama said.