Legislation to Boost Vaccination Rates Introduced in Bangsamoro Parliament

COTABATO CITY, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – A new bill aimed at enhancing flu vaccination rates within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been introduced by a physician and member of the Bangsamoro parliament, Dr. Hashemi Dilangalen. The proposal, known as Parliament Bill No. 275, was filed to initiate a comprehensive public health literacy campaign to inform residents about the benefits and potential side effects of vaccines.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Dilangalen emphasized the importance of a government-led initiative to educate the Bangsamoro citizens on the crucial role vaccinations play in public health. He advocated for the allocation of adequate funding to ensure vaccines are accessible and affordable for people of all ages across the region, describing such measures as “long overdue.”

The bill also proposes the creation of a Public Health Promotion and Communications Unit within the Ministry of Health, specifically designed to address and reduce vaccine hesitancy, skepticism, and uncertainty among the populace.

Parliament members Ali Montaha Babao, Rasul Ismael, Tarhata Maglangit, and Abdulwahab Pak have joined Dr. Dilangalen as co-authors of the bill, showcasing a collective effort to safeguard public health through improved vaccination coverage in BARMM.