COTABATO CITY - In response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) and UNICEF's recommendation to conduct a Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA), the Ministry of Health's BARMM National Immunization Program of the Public Health Bureau held a 4-day regional orientation on the further immunization activity for Measles, Rubella, and Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccines (MR OPV SIA), Synchronized Electronic Immunization Repository, and Micro Immunization for both Mainland and Island provinces. The immunization campaign will start on May 1 and run until May 31, 2023.

The orientation for mainland participants was held in Sotogrande Hotel, Davao City on March 7-10 while the orientation for participants from island provinces took place at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City on March 14-17, 2023.

According to reports, there were 465 measles cases in the nation overall between January 1, 2022, and September 24, 2022. There have been 4 weeks of consistently more cases compared to the same period in the last year.

The group of people who have not received the measles-containing vaccine (MCV) has grown by 1.22 percent more than the typical yearly target population for routine immunization. As a result, all areas are already at high risk for the spread of the measles.

In order to ascertain the potential of an outbreak in the country, the WHO conducted a risk assessment.

The stated program seeks to ensure that every Filipino is fully protected against diseases that can be prevented by vaccination by creating an effective and well-supported immunization system that is ready to offer routine services and is supported by considerations for and a response to public health crises.

This initiative made it possible for everyone, everywhere, and of all ages to have a strong immunization system, resulting in a healthier Philippines free of diseases that can be prevented by vaccination.

MOH will launch the said mass vaccination throughout the entire region for the safe and healthy Bangsamoro on April 27, 2023 in Cotabato City.

Participants included representatives from the Bangsamoro region's Special Geographic Area Field Health Offices, Integrated Province Health Offices, City Health Offices, and Ministry of Health officials and staff.

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The month of Ramadhan is considered the holiest and most sacred month for Islam. Being Muslims, we are blessed to have another opportunity for inner reflection and self-discipline, a time to sacrifice and devote ourselves to the worship of Allah (SWT).

This time of year serves as a reminder that Ramadhan is about more than just forgoing opulent meals and beverages throughout the day. We also need to consider how Ramadhan unites individuals in the pursuit of love, peace, and harmony.

We must sustain strong faith and prosperous life for the Bangsamoro people. Realize that this marks a time when all of us should gather together, for the presence of family to connect and bond with them.

Despite the challenging test that we are all facing, We have faith that this holy month will unite us all toward achieving our common goal.

In the different ways we are responding to this tremendous struggle, let us be reminded that the difficulty we are experiencing should bring out the best in us.

In shaa Allah, we aspire to gain the fortitude necessary to refine our newfound reason for embarking on this spiritual path through our joint effort.

As the most blessed time for Muslims to learn and grow together, May Allah (SWT) grant everyone a meaningful Ramadhan and protect us, our loved ones, and our communities from the pandemic's dangers.

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COTABATO CITY - The Newborn Care Program of Family Health Cluster conducted training on Expanded Newborn Screening, Newborn Screening Policy, and Strategic Framework Orientation to the Health Care Providers of 39 Municipalities, Lanao del Sur, and Marawi City on March 06-10, 2023, at the Ustadz Hashim Salamat Learning and Development Center, IPHO Main Building, Capitol Annex, Marawi City.

The activity was conducted to ensure that more Bangsamoro Health Warriors are fully equipped with knowledge and skills in the implementation of Expanded Newborn Screening.

According to the report, the activity also aims to provide quality health services by ensuring that all Filipino newborns are screened and properly managed for common and rare congenital disorders to reduce preventable deaths of newborns.

"This is to make them more effective, expand their knowledge, and develop their skills in Expanded Newborn Screening,"

The newly trained ENBS Nurses and Midwives will further bolster the rate of reaching the national target of 95% of screened babies in the coming future and attain excellence in care.

The training and development were successfully accomplished through the leadership of Minister Rizaldy L. Piang, MD, and the approval of Director of Public Health Bureau Dr. Ahmad-Fawadz A. Israel and head of Family Health Cluster Dr. Analyn G. Dimapanat and her team Regional Assistant Newborn Screening Coordinator Halmira P. Nul, RN, Regional Newborn Hearing Coordinator Ms. Amerah A. Matuan, RN. .

Each coordinator proficiently performed the practical work experience skillfully as part of training completion.

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