Davao del Norte, September 11, 2024 – Today marked a significant milestone in the province’s public health efforts as the National Immunization Program (NIP) Summit 2024 convened, bringing together the provincial and municipal/city health workforce and barangay captains of Davao del Norte. This pivotal platform aims to strengthen the immunization program across the region.
Highlights of the Summit
The summit featured several key activities and presentations, including:
- National, Regional, and Municipal/City NIP Situation: An overview of the current immunization landscape at various administrative levels.
- Presentation of the Current Status of the NIP: Detailed insights into the progress and challenges of the immunization program.
- Sharing of Good Practices by the Barangay: Success stories and effective strategies from local communities.
- Stories from the Field: Real-life experiences and testimonies from health workers on the ground.
- Ceremonial Sealing of Commitment: A symbolic gesture to reaffirm the collective pledge to improve immunization coverage and protect public health.
Dr. Vergel Jay Bautista, Development Management Officer (DMO) V for the Department of Health-Davao del Norte, emphasized the importance of vaccines, especially for children, in preventing diseases. He highlighted the role of local government units (LGUs) and barangay captains in supporting the National Immunization Program, stating, “Kining mga bakuna, especially sa mga bata, pwede malikayan ang mga sakit. Kaning mga datos, best practices nga gipakita sa atong mga LGUs, naa na sa atong mga utok ang information, naa na sa atong mga kamot ang kapangyarihan nga maawhag nato’g tarong ang kabahin sa bakuna para malikayan ang vaccine preventable diseases.”
Mr. Ian Patrick Vidal, DMO-IV of the Provincial Department of Health Office, led the signing of the commitment, symbolizing the unified effort to enhance immunization coverage and safeguard public health.
The Provincial Health Office of Davao del Norte, the host of the First Provincial National Immunization Program Summit 2024, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to facilitate the exchange of best practices, learning from each other’s experiences, and renewing dedication to public health. The summit also fostered collaboration between different levels of government and health organizations, boosting morale and motivation among health workers.
As the summit concluded, the message was clear: “Para sa mas #HealthyTagum💚, kanunay natong hinumdoman, ang Batang Bakunado, Siguradong Protektado!”
