THE Pharmaceutical Health care Association of the Philippines (PHAP) fully supports the Department of Health (DoH) and Department of Education’s (DepEd) efforts to promote routine and catch up immunizations, including the ongoing Bakuna Eskwela campaign.
These initiatives are vital for ensuring Filipino students’ health and wellness through comprehensive vaccination programs.
PHAP, representing the biopharmaceutical sector, underscores the critical role of vaccinations in public health by preventing vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs).
Immunizations have consistently proven to be one of the most effective public health interventions by significantly reducing disease incidence, controlling transmission and curbing outbreaks. It is also pivotal in lowering child mortality rates and improving community health. Sustaining and expanding vaccination programs ensures the continuation of these positive outcomes.
To enhance these initiatives, modernizing efforts is essential. Digital technologies can streamline vaccine distribution, improve scheduling and provide real-time monitoring of coverage and efficacy. Advanced data systems enable quicker identification and resolution of gaps, ensuring equitable immunization coverage.
Moreover, transparent reporting through modernized systems fosters public trust in vaccination programs.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of robust health care infrastructure, particularly in immunization.
During the crisis, PHAP and its members worked tirelessly to make Covid-19 vaccines and other life-saving vaccines available, overcoming challenges such as lockdowns, trade restrictions and global demand pressures. The rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines showcased the biopharmaceutical industry’s capacity to innovate under pressure.
This experience reaffirmed the importance of strong public-private partnerships in accelerating vaccine development and distribution. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, health care providers, and pharmaceutical companies are vital for responding swiftly to health crises.
Expanding vaccine coverage to include newer VPDs is the next critical step. Vaccines for dengue, shingles, invasive meningococcal disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) can address significant health risks.
Dengue is a common mosquito-borne illness in the Philippines, which vaccines can help prevent. Vaccinating the elderly reduces the incidence and severity of this painful condition of Shingles as well.
Protecting at-risk groups, especially children and young adults, prevents severe complications from Invasive Meningococcal Disease, while a vaccine can mitigate hospitalizations and severe respiratory infections in infants and the elderly.
The ongoing government vaccination program for 9 to 14-year-old girls addresses cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women. Expanding HPV vaccination will provide broader protection.
The inclusion of these vaccines in national immunization programs will ensure comprehensive protection for Filipinos.
Sustained collaboration among DoH, DepEd, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and PHAP is essential to maintain and enhance vaccination efforts. Adequate funding and resources are crucial for vaccine availability and accessibility.
Additionally, regular assessments of emerging health threats must inform the inclusion of scientifically validated vaccines in the national schedule.
Public awareness and education are equally vital in addressing vaccine preventable deaths. Campaigns to inform parents, guardians and communities about vaccine benefits and safety are critical in combating hesitancy and misinformation.
Establishing robust monitoring systems to track vaccine coverage and VPD incidence will also help identify and address gaps effectively.
PHAP reiterates its unwavering support for the government’s immunization programs and its efforts to rebuild trust in vaccines. By expanding and modernizing immunization efforts, the Philippines can build a more resilient public health infrastructure and better prepare for future challenges.
PHAP calls on all stakeholders — government agencies, health care providers, educational institutions and the community — to unite in support of national vaccination programs. Through collective action, the nation can prevent vaccine preventable deaths, improve patient outcomes and safeguard public health. Together, we can achieve a healthier and more resilient Philippines.
