Mayor Gaspar Chilagan, Jr. said the continued implementation of proactive measures is necessary to ensure the utmost protection of the health of the people, hence there is an urgent need to create a VOCT for the town.
The mayor and vice mayor act as the chairperson and vice chairperson respectively. Members are the municipal councilors, punong barangays, all barangay committee chairperson on health, some heads of municipal and national offices.
The VOCT will oversee the smooth implementation of vaccination in the municipality; provide guidance on vaccine delivery strategies, acceptance, human resource management, and capacity building, supply chain and management of health care waste safety and surveillance and immunization monitoring system.
It is also tasked to guide the implementation and provision of a free, safe and effective, high quality vaccine/s prioritizing the most-at-risk and most vulnerable populations; in-charge of coordination and the consolidation of the vaccine procurement by the local government units.
Moreover, the VOCT will ensure implementation of risk communication, health education, and community engagement activities utilizing diverse platforms and the conduct of strategies and interventions addressing vaccine hesitancy and other functions as may be delegated.
The VOCT secretariat will also act as liason and coordinate the activities related to the implementation team; consolidate and submit reports to the mayor and document meeting proceedings. (JDP/MBL-PIA CAR, Ifugao)
By Marcelo B. Lihgawon