Philippines Aims for 95% Child Immunization Coverage in New DOH-UNICEF-WHO Initiative 

The Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), has unveiled an ambitious strategy to achieve 95% child immunization coverage across the Philippines by the end of the decade. This move comes as the country addresses significant setbacks in childhood vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to alarming declines in coverage for diseases like measles, polio, and hepatitis B.

Why 95% Matters

The 95% immunization target is the global gold standard for achieving herd immunity—ensuring that even unvaccinated individuals are protected due to reduced disease transmission. For a country like the Philippines, where access to healthcare is uneven across regions, this level of coverage is both critical and challenging.

The Multi-Pronged Strategy

1. Coalition-Building
   DOH is forming Immunization Task Forces at the provincial and city levels. These involve local government units (LGUs), barangay health workers, and civil society organizations to coordinate campaigns and track vaccination data more effectively.

2. Investments in Supply Chains
   To ensure vaccines are available even in remote areas, the DOH—backed by UNICEF and WHO—is investing in cold chain logistics, health center upgrades, and vaccine stockpile systems.

3. Digital Monitoring
   A centralized digital platform will track real-time immunization data to identify low-coverage areas and deploy rapid response campaigns.

4. Community Engagement
   Through barangay visits, school programs, and mother-child advocacy groups, the DOH aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and combat vaccine misinformation.
   
   

A Response to a Growing Crisis

According to UNICEF’s 2023 report, over 1 million Filipino children under five missed at least one routine vaccine between 2019 and 2022. The resurgence of measles in several provinces further highlights the urgency of this program.

Global Backing for Local Impact

Both UNICEF and WHO have pledged technical and financial support. This includes training health workers, sourcing vaccines, and strengthening monitoring systems.

“We must protect every child, no matter where they live,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov. “Vaccines save lives—and with DOH’s leadership, this is achievable.”

Looking Ahead

If successful, this program could serve as a model for other developing nations facing post-pandemic immunization gaps. More importantly, it could save thousands of Filipino children from preventable illness and death.

• Department of Health Press Briefing (April 2025)
• UNICEF Philippines Immunization Reports (2023–2025)
• WHO Philippines – Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Updates
• Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Coverage on Child Health Week
• “State of the World’s Children 2023” – UNICEF