DOH, UNICEF, WHO Highlight Key Strategies to Achieve 95% Child Immunization in the Philippines

UNICEF Philippines/2025/Omar Despabeladero

Secretary of Health Ted Herbosa and Youth Representative Luster Lu Anabieza linking all pillars together with Behzad Noubary, UNICEF Philippines Deputy Representative

MANILA - The Department of Health (DOH), with support from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), unveiled key strategies and best practices underpinning a landmark plan to achieve 95% immunization coverage for children in the Philippines at the 2nd National Immunization Summit. The summit convened national and local government agencies, UN partners, donors, civil society organizations, medical associations, the private sector, and youth advocates to share insights on vaccination efforts and commit to concrete actions. This year’s event, backed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Australian Government, focused on forming a coalition to help DOH monitor and sustain immunization programs.

As part of the National Immunization Acceleration Plan for 2024-2025, several initiatives highlighting effective immunization strategies have already been launched. In Region 12, coalition-building efforts secured PhP 70 million in investments for vaccination. Region 3 implemented the Reaching Every Purok (REP) strategy, which successfully expanded immunization access to remote communities. Santiago City in Cagayan Valley strengthened its cold chain management, ensuring the quality and efficacy of vaccines. In General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite, the development of the Bakuna Enumerator Application (BenApp) improved vaccination data management. Meanwhile, youth-led advocacy efforts, such as those by Galing LNC Youth in Cavite and Youth Advocates Through Theater Arts (YATTA) in Dumaguete in Negros Island, have played a crucial role in increasing vaccine demand. In the Special Geographic Areas (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Muslim religious leaders have actively promoted immunization within their communities.

“UNICEF supports the Philippines’ efforts to integrate immunization into its broader health strategy so that every adolescent, mother, newborn, and child benefits from the power of vaccines. We can create a stronger foundation for primary health care, especially in the most vulnerable areas. This continued collaboration among stakeholders gives us hope that all children will grow up happy and healthy,” said UNICEF Acting Representative Behzad Noubary.

As of January 20, 2025, the partial Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) data for 2024 shows that 61% or 1,459,353 out of 2,392,392 eligible children in the Philippines are already considered fully immunized. This includes receiving one dose of the BCG vaccine, three doses of the pentavalent vaccine, three doses of the oral polio vaccine, and two doses of a measles-containing vaccine by the age of 12 months, with 933,039 children yet to complete their vaccines. However, children who received their vaccines in private facilities remain unaccounted for. This puts the vulnerable population at a continued risk from VPDs such as pertussis, diphtheria, and measles.

“The World Health Organization through the Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030) works closely with the Department of Health to maintain the gains in immunization and continue to protect Filipinos from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Together, let us enhance our strategies and aim for efficient coordination and feedback mechanisms with frontline health service providers, communities, private partners, and stakeholders. Importantly, let us commit to ensuring sustainable vaccine supply so that no one is left behind in immunization,” said WHO Representative to the Philippines, Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus.

The Philippines has made significant strides in immunization. According to WHO/UNICEF National Estimates of Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), the country is no longer among the top 20 with the highest number of zero-dose children, reducing cases from 1 million in 2021 to 163,000 in 2023. In 2024, DOH reinstated Bakuna Eskwela, a school-based immunization program offering vaccines for measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and HPV.

“Throughout this summit, we have celebrated significant milestones; achieving higher vaccination coverage, implementing innovative delivery systems, and expanding access to vaccines across communities. The vision we share is of a Philippines where every individual, regardless of circumstance, has equitable access to vaccines; a vision rooted in equity and resilience," said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.