The Philippine Red Cross remains steadfast in its dedication to better the health and wellness of the communities in the country.
Since the organization’s establishment during post-World War II, PRC has continuously served a multitude of communities in the country, including those in far-flung areas. PRC ascertains that the health needs of the communities are met, particularly those afflicted by unexpected calamities or disasters.
The PRC, together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), works to maintain strong, healthy, and safe communities. The IFRC has assisted in various health initiatives, including routine immunization, and COVID-19 prevention, management, and response.
The IFRC said, “Through the Build Trust Project (BTP), PRC mobilized volunteers to support immunization intervention and boost confidence with vaccination.” It added, “Volunteers provided key messages on vaccination while engaging and gathering feedback from the community to improve the way we work with the community.”
From 2018 to 2023, PRC together with IFRC and other partners have supported supplemental immunization activities in response to measles and polio outbreaks. PRC has administered vaccinations to more than one million children under five years old with measles, rubella, and polio vaccines, through mobilizing its chapters, vaccination teams, and Red Cross 143 Volunteers.
Crisis and Community Resilience
As time goes on, PRC steadily rides along the waves of change. It strives to provide services that are up to the times and meet the current needs of Filipinos. No matter the disaster or the crisis, PRC remains one of the first responders and immediately provides relief operations.
Aside from disaster response and recovery, the PRC puts value in continuous health education to further strengthen the community.
PRC joined World Polio Day, where it reminded Filipinos of the efficacy of vaccines in protecting children from the poliovirus. From 2019 to 2023, PRC provided polio vaccines to over a million children in 4,200 communities in different parts of the Philippines. More than 6,000 volunteers participated in the said vaccine distribution.
During the rainy season in 2023, PRC intensified its campaign against Waterborne, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue (WILD) Diseases. It held educational drives to teach communities in Mindanao about the different types of illnesses commonly caused by damp weather.
Through the volunteers, PRC facilitated SMS alerts, brochure and flyer distributions, and promotion sessions in different parts of the region to disseminate crucial health information.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon emphasized the importance of circulating correct and factual information to help the communities. He said, “It is important that we provide our fellow Filipinos with the right information, especially about medicine and vaccination. This is part of PRC’s commitment to promote the health and safety of every Filipino.”
Support Amidst the Pandemic
In the midst of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic, PRC further strengthened its dedication to the health and wellness of Filipinos.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang said, “We want to ensure the health and safety of every Filipino. No one should be left behind because every life matters.”
She added, “In terms of vaccination, we have to make sure that we talk to those who are hesitant about it. We must do whatever it takes to convince them because they are part of our communities that we want to protect and look after.”
In 2022, together with the IFRC, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Coca-Cola Foundation, Lazada, Procter & Gamble (P&G), and other partners, PRC sent “Bakuna Buses” to priority cities and provinces in the country. This aligns with the organization’s commitment to broaden vaccination efforts and increase the number of vaccinated individuals, particularly those in places known as “high-risk populations .”
The Bakuna Buses was able to vaccinate over 300,000 individuals in Mindanao, including around 70,000 fully vaccinated individuals, and more than 50,000 people were given booster shots.
This is only one of the several collaborations between IFRC and PRC to maintain the health and well-being of communities in the country. According to IFRC, from 2018 to 2023, IFRC, PRC, and their partner organizations have continued to provide support to every Filipino.
IFRC Head of Delegation to the Philippines Sanjeev Kefley said, “UFRC and PRC have intensified their supplemental immunization activities to address the spread of diseases such as measles and polio.”
PRC is among the organizations that support the Department of Health’s (DOH) programs to increase immunization coverage in the countryBoth PRC and DOH aim to protect children from diseases that are easily prevented with vaccines.
Community Built on Trust
PRC’s firm dedication to humane principles, integrity, and reliable service has placed it as one of the Filipinos’ most trusted organizations, especially in times of crisis.
PRC aims to strengthen its mission to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of every Filipino. It will continue to seek ways to continuously provide service to communities in the country.
For more information about vaccines and vaccination, such as when and where to get vaccinated, visit your nearest PRC Chapter or barangay health center. For questions and concerns, call the PRC hotline: 143.
