The Department of Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire led a vaccination initiative for homeless families in Scout Santiago, Quezon City on Thursday. (Department of Health Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH), led by officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, vaccinated homeless families in Scout Santiago, Quezon City.
According to DOH’s Facebook post on Thursday, Metro Manila Center for Health Development Assistant Regional Director Aleli Sudiacal also helped spearhead the initiative for the homeless families.
“They are considered as one of the vulnerable populations — laging nasa kalye, laging nakaka-interact sa ibang tao. So kailangan proteksyunan sila para hindi sila magkasakit,” said Vergeire.
(They are considered as one of the vulnerable populations — always on the street, constantly interacting with other people. So we need to protect them, so they do not get sick).
The agency also assured the public that they were addressing the other healthcare needs of the homeless families on top of COVID-19, such as routine immunization and malnutrition.
“The DOH will work with national government agencies and local government units to provide these families with safe and healthy environments,” said Vergeire.
According to the DOH, the initiative was coordinated with the Quezon City Government, partner government agencies, and non-government organizations.