FOLLOWING warnings by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, April 18, reminded the public that the threats of measles and tuberculosis (TB) have not disappeared with the emergence of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
In a televised press briefing, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said parents must continue to have their children aged 0-12 months, administered with measles vaccines.
“To our parents, let us not forget to bring our children to health centers for them to be given immunization versus measles,” said Vergeire.
She assured that measles vaccines are available in health centers from Mondays to Fridays despite the prevailing enhanced community quarantine.
“Parents and their children are advised to wear masks and practice physical distancing when visiting health centers,” said Vergeire.
Earlier, the WHO warned that over 117 million children in 37 countries may miss out on receiving measles vaccine as measles immunization campaigns may be delayed or postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the other hand, individuals with TB are being reminded of the importance of continuing their medication as they are considered as being high risk for Covid-19.
“It is important to take your TB medicines daily at the appropriate time as advised by your doctors or nurses,” Vergeire said.
The health official said one of the measures that may be adopted amid the community lockdowns is by asking for their one-month supply of TB medicines from their local DOH’s Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) - TB Centers.
“Family members of TB patients are also encouraged to become treatment partners to monitor the medication and condition of their loved ones,” she added.
According to the WHO, it is important to maintain the continuity of services for people with TB during the Covid-19 pandemic, or else see the progress against the former reversed. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)