BARMM launches polio drive for 839K kids amid pandemic

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is conducting a two-week polio vaccination campaign from July 20 to August 20, targeting 839,677 children.

Health authorities aim to stop the spread of poliovirus after its reemergence last year and amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Ministry of Health (MOH) Minister Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan emphasized the importance of protecting children from multiple health risks during this crisis.

The campaign will observe strict safety measures, including a 'no-touch' approach where only parents or caretakers hold the child while vaccinators maintain physical distancing.