Collective Action: Government, Medical Societies, and Patient Organizations Unite to Strengthen Access to Life-Course Immunization

Health Connect Media Forum hosted by journalist and health advocate Ms. Jing Castañeda, together with health luminaries from the DOH, the Ministry of Health-BARMM, PFV, PMA, and PAPO.

To mark the 2025 World Immunization Week (WIW), health leaders from the government, medical societies, patient groups, and the biopharmaceutical sector gathered to reaffirm their collective commitment to strengthening access to life-course immunization in a Health Connect media forum.

The Health Connect forum anchored on the Department of Health’s (DOH) call, “Magpabakuna: Bakuna sa lahat, kayang-kaya!”. The forum, organized by the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Foundation for Vaccination and the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, highlighted the importance of making vaccines accessible to Filipinos of all ages. 

PHAP Executive Director Teodoro Padilla opened the event, emphasizing the power of collaboration, "Over the last 50 years, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) has saved 154 million lives. Through continued partnership, we can ensure that every Filipino is protected, leaving no one behind."

The WHO’s EPI program has been a cornerstone of public health, saving lives and preventing outbreaks. However, collaborative efforts are needed to overcome challenges and increase access to life-saving vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations. 

Dr. Carmina Vera, Medical Officer IV from the DOH, shared that the Philippines made progress by reducing the number of unvaccinated children, falling from 5th place in 2021 to out of the top 20 in 2023. "Despite these achievements, we're still working toward our 95% target, focusing on improving access, strengthening local programs, and addressing gaps to ensure that all age groups are protected,” she said.

Health Promotion Bureau Director IV Maria Kristina Marasigan emphasized that vaccination is a key pillar of the 8-Point Action Agenda under Universal Health Care. "We must bring vaccines to the people, not wait for them to come to us,” she said. “It’s essential for people to understand the benefits of vaccines and trust credible sources like doctors." She also noted that strengthening disease awareness is a priority for the Health Promotion Bureau. Marasigan highlighted the DOH’s nationwide campaign, launched in Calbayog, Samar, which aims to vaccinate over 31,000 individuals from April 24 to 30.

Building on this, Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, Vice President of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), emphasized that immunization is a long-term, strategic investment. “Every 10 seconds, vaccination saves a life. We need to recognize that immunization isn't just for children—it’s for everyone at every stage of life. What we need now is a concerted effort, with the right information, to bridge gaps and make immunization accessible to all,” she stated.

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Hon. Dr. Kadil Jojo M. Sinolinding Jr. of the Ministry of Health highlighted the successful vaccination of over 1.2 million children during the Measles Outbreak Response Immunization (MORI). “Immunization has always been a priority in BARMM. With the support from the DOH, national government, international partners, and neighboring regions, we overcame challenges and achieved this success,” said Hon. Sinolinding. “By involving everyone, we demonstrated that unity can bring protection to every doorstep.”

Panelists also emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and public trust. Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of PFV, stated, “Our continued partnership with the government and other stakeholders is essential to expanding life-course immunization. We must keep pushing until every Filipino is protected.”

Karen Alparce-Villanueva, President of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), echoed the statement, saying, “We must engage a broad range of entities to prioritize patient safety. Patient and family involvement, along with social participation, are critical to building vaccine confidence and ensuring broader protection for all.”

Also present at the event was Dr. Hector Santos, President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), who expressed his full support for the initiative.

Hosted by TV anchor and health advocate Jing Castañeda, the forum was livestreamed on PHAP’s official Facebook page in partnership with PFV, PMA, and PAPO.