The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) has commended three local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental for their outstanding performance in the 2023 National Immunization Program (NIP).

Dumaguete City and the towns of Dauin and Mabinay were honored in various categories based on population size during the Central Visayas 2024 Regional Immunization Summit in Mandaue City, Cebu on September 13, DOH-Negros Oriental provincial chief Jennifer Remollo said on Tuesday, September 17.

“Dumaguete City placed second in the large population category, while Mabinay and Dauin ranked in the middle and small population categories, respectively,” Remollo said in an interview.

The NIP targets children aged zero to 12 months for vaccinations against diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilus influenza B, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella.

Dumaguete achieved a 75.55 percent immunization rate out of its target of 2,322 children, earning second place in the large population category.

Mabinay reached 75.40 percent of its 2,203 target, placing third in the middle category, while Dauin immunized 71.40 percent of its target population of 528 children.

Dumaguete was just one percentage point behind Cebu province’s Minglanilla town, the top-performing LGU in the large population category.

Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo praised the City Health Office, along with doctors, nurses, midwives, and Barangay Health Workers, for their commitment to providing free vaccinations and ensuring the well-being of the city’s children. (PNA)