The Department of Health (DOH) is urging parents and guardians to have their children vaccinated against measles as Mindanao records a large share of the country’s cases. Over 2 million children are targeted for protection under the government’s ongoing immunization drive.
From January 1, 2025, to January 3, 2026, Mindanao reported 2,172 measles cases—nearly 42 percent of all cases nationwide—highlighting the region as a critical focus for disease prevention.
Supplemental Immunization Drive Kicks Off in Mindanao
To address the surge, the DOH has launched Phase 1 of the Ligtas Tigdas Measles-Rubella Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA). The initiative aims to vaccinate 2.8 million children aged 6 to 59 months across the region.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the nearest vaccination site, even if the child has already received previous doses. The DOH emphasizes that the campaign is crucial to preventing severe complications, hospitalizations, and deaths from measles and rubella.
Vaccination: The Key to Protecting Children and Communities
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health issues, particularly in young children. But the disease is preventable with timely vaccination. While side effects from the measles-rubella vaccine are rare, healthcare workers are ready to manage any reactions.
The DOH reiterated the importance of public cooperation, noting that high vaccination coverage is essential to stop the spread of measles, protect communities, and save lives—especially in high-risk areas like Mindanao.
