FORTY-FOUR million doses of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines in the country are now considered wastage, based on the latest numbers from the Department of Health (DOH).
In a press conference, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the number of vaccine wastage has increased from the last time they reported it to 31 million.
"Our reports on (vaccine) wastage is progressive as our inventory is continuously happening," said Vergeire.
"Last week, we reported 31 million wastage. Now, it is already at 44 million based on our inventories," she added.
Despite the increase, the number is still within the allowable 25 to 30 percent wastage rate set by the World Health Organization.
"This 44 million is 17.5 percent out of all vaccines received by the country," said Vergeire.
Of the wasted vaccines, the DOH said 24 million expired, while some 3.8 million were damaged either by natural disasters, temperature excursion, or discoloration.
Vergeire also said that the cause of wastage of some five percent of total is still being determined.
She also noted how 75 percent of the vaccine wastage involves those procured by the private sector or local government units.
As for the national government, Vergeire said only two percent of its own supplies are among those wasted, while those from donations account for four to five percent. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)