NIR targets 437,000 children in measles-rubella vaccination drive

Health authorities are aiming to vaccinate more than 437,000 children across the Negros Island Region (NIR) next month as part of a nationwide campaign to curb the continued spread of measles and rubella.

The Department of Health (DOH)-NIR said 437,586 children aged six to 59 months are targeted under the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) scheduled from Aug. 10 to 28. The campaign will cover Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Bacolod City.

Parents and caregivers are being urged to bring eligible children to the nearest health center where they can receive free measles-rubella vaccines along with Vitamin A supplementation, which helps boost immunity and reduce complications associated with measles.

The vaccination campaign has also gained the backing of local government leaders in Negros Occidental.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, encouraged parents to take advantage of the free immunization program by bringing their children to barangay health centers.

Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara likewise appealed for public support, stressing that the vaccine is free, safe and effective in protecting children from the highly contagious diseases.

The intensified campaign comes as health officials continue to monitor a sustained increase in measles and rubella cases nationwide.

The DOH said its Regional Verification Committee determined in September 2025 that endemic transmission of both diseases remains active in the Philippines, with cases steadily increasing over the previous year. Although outbreak response immunization activities were conducted from 2024 to 2025, vaccination coverage remained below target, prompting health authorities to launch a nationwide supplemental immunization drive this year.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact, while rubella is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects children and young adults and can cause serious complications, particularly among pregnant women.

Health officials said increasing vaccination coverage remains the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect children from potentially life-threatening complications.