The City Government of Davao is reaching out to indigenous and Moro leaders in the city in an effort to increase their COVID-19 vaccination rollout to their communities.
This was revealed by Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao COVID-19 Task Force during an interview last week Wednesday over Davao City Disaster Radio. Schlosser said Mayor Sara Duterte has advised them to make it a top priority to vaccinate indigenous peoples living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).
City officials said that looking at the culture of indigenous communities, members of the tribe rely on their leaders’ decision, which is why officials would want to dialogue and encourage them to take part to gain trust on vaccines.
As the city government has vaccinated around 788,000 residents in the city, which is 66% of its target of 1.2 million for “herd immunity”, they are looking at how to achieve rollout in the tribal communities.
Mayor Duterte has recommended the implementation of the “Door to Door Vaccination” led by the Vice Mayor’s Office for the indigenous communities that cannot be reached by mobile vaccination drives.
This vaccination program started last October 30 intended to accommodate persons with disabilities and senior citizens who are bedridden.
Schlosser said they are coordinating with barangay councilors expanding the dissemination regarding the Door to Door Program.
