QUEZON CITY’S coronavirus response received further boost on Monday with the launching of six mobile testing units and the deployment of a mobile vaccination team with funding support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Through USAID’s support, Quezon City is more resilient and responsive in protecting the lives of many, including the marginalized sectors,” Maria Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte is quoted in a press release from the US Embassy.
As of Nov. 7, data from the local government show the city has exceeded its target adult population for inoculation against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with over 1.79 million residents and workers fully vaccinated. This total is 105.84% of the target.
Pediatric vaccination for those aged 12-17 is ongoing.
“The mobile vaccination and testing teams with 30 healthcare workers will bolster Quezon City’s testing efforts and vaccination coverage and ultimately benefit poor households, senior citizens, vulnerable groups, and hard-to-reach areas,” the US Embassy said.
The mobile testing units are seen to contribute 6,000 tests monthly in addition to the current 20,000 average. The mobile vaccination team, meanwhile, is expected to deliver about 15,000 jabs monthly.
The US government has previously provided support to Quezon City’s testing capacity through the establishment of four community-based testing centers.
US Embassy in the Philippines Charge d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava also announced an additional P565 million in USAID support to the Philippines through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
This additional funding will strengthen the capacity of local governments to respond to the pandemic and fast-track vaccination in high-risk areas.
The US government has also facilitated the donation of almost 28 million vaccines to the Philippines through COVAX, the global mechanism for pooled procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.