COTABATO CITY — To improve flu vaccination rates in the BARMM, Member of Parliament Dr. Hashemi Dilangalen has led the filing of Parliament Bill No. 275.

The proposed measure aim to establish a comprehensive public health literacy and promotion campaign to educate Bangsamoro residents about the effects and benefits of vaccination.

Dr. Dilangalen, the main author of the bill, emphasized the need for an extensive government-led campaign to raise awareness about the nature, benefits, and possible side effects of vaccines.

He also stressed the importance of allocating sufficient funds to make vaccines accessible across all age groups or providing affordable options.

The bill seeks to create a specialized Public Health Promotion and Communications Unit under the Ministry of Health.

The unit will be responsible for formulating evidence-based policies, developing literacy enhancement programs, implementing community strategies, collaborating with non-government stakeholders, conducting research and data analysis, and initiating public engagement initiatives.

Dr. Dilangalen said that the bill will help mitigate vaccine hesitancy, skepticism, and uncertainty among the population.

If enacted, the unit will consist of a unit chief, two health communication specialists, two media and communication officers, and one multimedia and design specialist.

To ensure accessibility and affordability, the regional government plans to allocate a subsidy for flu vaccinations for all Bangsamoro residents.

Upon enactment, the Ministry of Health will incorporate the said unit into its programs.

Three years after the implementation of PB No. 275, the MOH will submit bi-annual reports to Parliament detailing the progress and outcomes of the measure.

MPs Ali Montaha Babao, Rasul Ismael, Tarhata Maglangit, and Abdulwahab Pak are co-authors of PB No. 275. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)