Garin blames Duterte administration for pertussis outbreak, resurgence of polio, measles

April 1, 2024 , 05:01 PM

(April 1, 2024) – Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin on Monday highlighted the severe consequences of vaccine hesitancy in the Philippines, attributing it to the spread of misinformation under the previous administration.

Garin, a medical doctor and former Department of Health (DOH) secretary, pointed to the resurgence of diseases like pertussis, polio, and measles, linking them to the public’s growing distrust in vaccines.

Garin criticized the handling of vaccine information by former DOH chiefs Francisco Duque III and Paulyn Rosell-Ubial, referring to their tenure as the “Duque-Ubial legacy,” saying the current spate of diseases could have been prevented.

“Why is it that in the whole world, it’s only in the Philippines that there’s a pertussis outbreak? And why has polio returned? Why, in the past years, have there been severe deaths from measles? This is all because of vaccine hesitancy,” said Garin, also a deputy majority leader, in a media briefing.

She slammed the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte for not curbing the spread of misinformation, particularly concerning the dengue vaccine, which she believes fueled the public’s fear.

To recall, Duque was heavily criticized, even by lawmakers, for his perceived inadequate handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Duterte, however, protected Duque and even rejected the latter’s resignation. Duterte is a close friend of Duque’s brother.

Garin, meanwhile, was charged with graft last year due to the alleged realignment of public funds to purchase dengue vaccines during her term as DOH chief. The Sandiganbayan junked her appeal to dismiss the case.

Garin, who served as DOH secretary during the term of the late former President Noynoy Aquino III, defended the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr., arguing that it should not be blamed for the pertussis outbreak.

The DOH, currently headed by Ted Herbosa, reported that from January to March 16 this year, there were 568 pertussis cases, including 40 fatalities. Garin lamented the preventable nature of the deaths, stressing the importance of vaccination.

“Pertussis kills, and vaccination saves lives,” said Garin.

She attributed the decrease in vaccine coverage from 98% to around 30-32% to the Duterte administration’s handling of vaccine information, which she believes has hurt efforts on public health.

Garin urged for the rectification of past mistakes to prevent further loss of life and to restore public trust in vaccines.

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