Dear Editor,

Amidst the whirlwind conflict in Israel, trouble in the West Philippine Sea, and the tremors shaking southern Mindanao, we've lost sight of something vital.

If news escapes you, here it is: The Covid-19 pandemic is still here.

Though news of fresh infections trickles through mainstream and social platforms, the truth remains — this deadly respiratory disease still spreads.

In our nation alone, 4,112,658 cases have been recorded as of 18  November. Yet, recovery stands strong at 4,052,819, while deaths hover below 80,000.

Under President Rodrigo Duterte's leadership, we fought tooth and nail to secure vaccines, overcoming funding, procurement, and distribution hurdles.

As of November, a concerning revelation emerges: Nearly 50 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have gone to waste in the country.

Senator Pia Cayetano shared disturbing data during a recent Senate hearing on the Department of Health's 2024 budget. The wastage amounts to 49.730 million doses, based on DoH records.

Of this total, 26.2 million expired vaccines were foreign donations, while the government procured the remaining 23.7 million. Among the wasted doses, 38.54 million expired prematurely due to their short shelf life.

She highlighted that Covid-19 jabs have a mere six-month lifespan, but some donations arrived only three months before their expiration, with some having just a month left.

Since the launch of the national vaccine program in 2021, the Philippines has acquired 155 million doses and received 95.9 million donated vaccines.

The DoH urges vigilance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols — mask-wearing, seeking well-ventilated spaces, and prompt isolation for symptomatic individuals. It also encourages the public to receive their Covid-19 vaccines and boosters promptly as an added layer of protection.

While it may sound repetitive, it remains crucial for the government to ensure ongoing protection against the increasing number of Covid-19 variants circulating.

Here's to hoping that by 2024, we witness the end of this relentless pandemic.

Amidst the noise, remember: The Covid-19 pandemic persists.

Hermie Bergonia

hemberg2010@gmail.com