Manila Bulletin
WHO, DOH worried Ramadan might cause Covid-19 surge in BARMM – vaccine czar
The Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are concerned about a potential "mini surge" of COVID-19 cases in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This concern is heightened by the ongoing observance of Ramadan and BARMM's status as having the lowest vaccination output among all regions in the country.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. stated that BARMM has fully vaccinated 957,766 individuals out of its target population of 3,516,278, translating to only 27.24 percent vaccination rate.
He identified a "demand issue" and vaccine preferences as contributing factors to the low vaccination rate in the region.
Some individuals in BARMM have reportedly refused vaccination due to beliefs that certain COVID-19 vaccines are not 'halal' or permissible according to their religious and cultural practices.
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The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is identified as most vulnerable to a potential Covid-19 mini-surge due to its low vaccination rate of 32.28 percent.
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The national government will conduct special vaccination days in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) after the May 9 elections.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officials to prioritize and accelerate COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the region.
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The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is enforcing a policy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) requiring individuals to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend indoor religious services.
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A government adviser warned of a potential surge in COVID-19 cases within the next two months, attributing the risk to upcoming elections and religious gatherings.
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