The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) reached 50 to 55 percent of its target population for Covid-19 vaccination, a health official said Tuesday.

“Sa kanilang ginawang (During their) special vaccination days for the past few days during this week they were able to vaccinate 299,252 individuals… na-reach nila (they have reached) almost 50 or 55 percent of their target individuals,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media form.

Vergeire noted religion is not the main factor for the low vaccination rate in BARMM.

The BARMM is composed of far-flung areas which are difficult to reach, she said.

“Second, health human resources also in BARMM is a challenge. Alam po natin kulang talaga ‘yung kanilang manpower that’s why whenever we do this kind of activities, talagang nakakapagbigay tayo ng (We know that they really lack manpower that’s why whenever we do this kind of activities, we really provide) special assistance for us to deploy special vaccination teams,” she added.

Earlier, National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) chief Myrna Cabotaje said special vaccination days in the BARMM started in Sulu on May 11 to 13 and will be followed by Lamitan, Basilan until May 20.

The NVOC has also ramped up inoculation activities in Marawi City, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur from May 16 to 20. (PNA)