USAID, Quezon City government launch mobile vaccination, testing

MANILA, Philippines — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Quezon City government rolled out yesterday six mobile COVID-19 vaccination and testing units to boost the city’s pandemic response.

Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava of the US embassy also announced an additional P565 million in financial support to the Philippines through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The embassy said the additional funding would strengthen the capacity of local governments to respond to the pandemic and fast-track vaccination in high-risk areas.

Variava was joined by Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, USAID Philippines acting Mission Director Sean Callahan and other US and Philippine representatives during the launching at city hall.

The mobile COVID-19 vaccination hubs manned by 30 health workers will intensify Quezon City’s testing capacity and inoculation coverage, benefiting the poor, senior citizens and vulnerable groups.

The mobile testing initiative will contribute an additional 6,000 COVID tests on top of the local government’s 20,000 monthly testing capacity.

The mobile vaccination team will contribute about 15,000 vaccinations monthly.

The US government has been instrumental in expanding Quezon City’s COVID-19 testing capacity, according to Belmonte.

USAID also supported the city’s ProtekTodo campaign by mobilizing 10 health workers to assist in vaccination in six districts.

“Months into the pandemic, the Quezon City government has worked tirelessly to get as many residents tested and reach our vaccination targets,” Belmonte said.

“Through USAID’s support, Quezon City is more resilient and responsive in protecting the lives of many, including the marginalized sectors,” she added.