ILOILO — Amid continuing vaccine hesitancy in some communities in Western Visayas, the Department of Health (DOH) has intensified its campaign to improve immunization coverage and restore public confidence in vaccines by bringing an Immunization and Wellness Fair to Estancia town.
The June 3 activity formed part of broader efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and protect children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases through education, advocacy, and direct engagement with the public.
Organized in partnership with the Provincial Government of Iloilo, Municipality of Estancia, Iloilo Provincial Health Office, Estancia Municipal Health Office, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the fair gathered health experts, local officials, and community stakeholders to promote the importance of vaccination and other preventive health services.
The activity was aimed at increasing public understanding of vaccine safety and effectiveness while encouraging families to take advantage of available immunization services.
The fair featured presentations and discussions highlighting the role of vaccines in preventing diseases, safeguarding children, and improving overall community health.
Among those who attended were Dr. Fritzi Ann Suzette Jeroso-Dequito, head of the Health Promotion and Communications Management Section; Penny Exocet Hubag, Health Education and Promotion Officer III; Dr. Jose Martin Atienza, National Immunization Program Regional Coordinator; and Estancia mayor Ma. Angelica Bianca B. Requinto-Espinosa.
The event also featured health education sessions led by Dr. Stella Paspe, a Pediatrician-Allergologist from the Philippine Pediatric Society Western Visayas Chapter, and Dr. Ma. Jascha Lane D. Celis, a Rural Health Physician representing Doctors to the Barrios.
According to the DOH, immunization is not merely an individual health decision but a shared responsibility that protects entire communities.
The agency stressed that maintaining high immunization rates is crucial to preventing outbreaks and safeguarding both children and the broader population.
The fair also supports the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act, which seeks to expand access to healthcare services for all Filipinos.
With vaccine hesitancy remaining a challenge in some sectors, health officials said public education initiatives are essential to rebuilding trust in immunization programs.
“Our goal is to create an environment where every parent feels empowered to make informed health decisions for their children,” said Dr. Atienza.
Mayor Requinto-Espinosa likewise encouraged residents to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about available health services and preventive healthcare programs.
DOH said it plans to sustain similar initiatives across Western Visayas as part of its continuing effort to improve immunization coverage and promote healthier, safer and more resilient communities.
The agency emphasized that ensuring every child has access to vaccines and essential health services remains a key priority in advancing public health in the region./PN
