TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 6 (PIA) -- After three decades of zero-polio cases, the Philippines faces again an invisible enemy that can kill or at least cripple generations.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a disabling viral disease that attacks the spinal cord and causes muscle atrophy and deformities rendering the victim detained in bed, or in severe cases can lead to death.

Polio has been among the preventable diseases by immunization.

According to the Department of Health (DOH) through Bohol Team Leader Dr. Portia Reyes, a recent random check done in the bodies of water in the Visayas confirmed the resurgence of the polio virus, one which has not been seen since the polio vaccination started in 1976.

Apart from polio, health authorities in the region have been alarmed by reports of suspected and confirmed cases of measles, Reyes said.

Based on data from the World Health Organization, the Philippines ranked second lowest among Asian countries when it comes to vaccination.

Bohol Vaccination Program Coordinator and nurse at the Provincial Health Office (PHO) Machiavellia Caliao confirmed that their teams had a hard time running the continuing vaccination campaign as parents thought it risky to bring their kids to the vaccination centers during the pandemic.

PHO, in the last years, reported low vaccination accomplishment, something that has potentially placed the kids in harm’s way.

Moreover, reports of lessened vaccine confidence has been noted in Philippine communities, including the unfounded apprehension that vaccines can have fatal effects.

To address this, the DOH implemented Chikiting Ligtas: Catch-up free Measles Rubella (MR) Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Special Supplemental Immunization Program, a month-long saturation immunization drive starting May 1-31.

Target for the nationwide vaccination drive are children from zero month-old to 59 months-old, newborn to below five year-old, be they having been vaccinated already of the OPV MR, Caliao said.

Measles, also a vaccine-preventable disease, when left unattended could lead to broncho pneumonia and blindness while Rubella or sometimes called German measles, when it attacks a person, can led to congenital anomalies, said Reyes.

The dire situation has pushed the DOH to implement the catch-up free supplemental OPV MR Special Immunization Activity which mobilizes the country’s extensive vaccination teams including Barangay Health Workers, to make sure that every child is covered, Caliao reported.

This month, Bohol health authorities and vaccination teams hope to vaccinate 123,000 children which make up the 9 months old to 59 months old with the Measles Rubella subcutaneous shots.

As to the 0-9 months old babies, around 145,820 should have been reached and given the oral polio drops, Caliao shared. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)