MANILA, Philippines —The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) Philippines called on the need to strengthen routine immunization systems and address challenges in vaccine supply and demand as part of the observance of World Immunization Week.
In a statement Tuesday, Unicef Philippines cited the National Demographic Health Survey, noting that achieving the 95 percent immunization coverage is feasible—pointing to Region I (Ilocos) as its proof—but emphasized that targeted efforts are still needed in remote and underserved areas.
“Vaccines have protected generation after generation. But the next generation depends on whether we reach every child today, especially those who remain unvaccinated. We must close the gaps that leave children unprotected by ensuring reliable vaccine supply and quality services and by building trust and demand in communities so that families choose protection for their children,” said Kyungsun Kim, Unicef representative in the Philippines.