The Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH 7) and the Cebu Provincial Government have joined forces to strengthen the province-wide measles and rubella vaccination campaign, targeting hundreds of thousands of young children across Central Visayas.

The Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) is being conducted from August 10 to 28, with the health campaign aiming to reach at least 630,000 children aged 6 to 59 months across Cebu and Bohol.

In Cebu, the campaign is being implemented under “Ligtas Tigdas 2026: Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity” and will reach communities down to the barangay level.

The Cebu Provincial Government is mobilizing its health facilities and personnel to help ensure that eligible children are identified, reached, and vaccinated.

The campaign was formally announced by Dr. Faith Curaraton, DOH 7 Regional National Immunization Program (NIP) Medical Coordinator, during the regional MR-SIA launching at the Capitol Social Hall on August 10.

With the theme “Bakuna at proteksyon ni baby, atong responsibility” or “Baby’s vaccine and protection are our responsibility,” the campaign aims to provide additional protection to young children against measles and rubella.

“It is free, it is safe, it is effective. Mao ra gyud na amoang mahatag sa mga bata para ma-protektahan sila,” Curaraton said during the launching.

Cebu mobilizes hospitals, health workers

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has expressed full support for the vaccination campaign, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from preventable diseases.

Last month, Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 40, creating the Provincial Immunization Task Force to strengthen coordination and implementation of immunization programs throughout Cebu.

“Every vaccination is not simply a number added to our accomplishment. Behind that number is a child we are protecting, a parent we are giving peace of mind, and a family we are helping keep safe,” the governor said.

“Our goal should be simple: No Cebuano child should suffer from a disease that we already have the means to prevent,” she added.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Sheila Faciol said the Capitol’s 16 provincial and district hospitals will be mobilized as vaccination sites. Rural health units in Cebu’s cities and municipalities will likewise participate in the campaign.

Over the three-week vaccination period, the Provincial Health Office will coordinate with DOH 7 and local city and municipal health offices to bring the activity closer to communities.

Barangay health workers will also be mobilized to help identify and register eligible children in their respective communities.

The province-wide approach is intended to ensure that children in both urban and remote areas have access to the supplemental vaccines.

Measles and rubella remain a health concern

The vaccination campaign comes amid concerns over increasing measles and rubella cases in the country.

According to DOH data cited during the launching, the Philippines recorded a 32 percent increase in measles and rubella cases in 2025 compared with 2024. Seventy-three percent of reported cases involved unvaccinated children.

Measles and rubella, locally known as tigdas, are highly contagious airborne diseases that can cause serious complications and, in severe cases, death.

Measles has no specific cure, making vaccination one of the most effective ways to protect children from the disease and prevent outbreaks.

Common symptoms include fever, conjunctivitis, cough, colds, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, locally known as “lusay.”

Health officials are urging parents and caregivers to have eligible children vaccinated during the MR-SIA period.

Vaccination drive officially launched

During the regional launching at the Cebu Capitol, eight babies received their vaccines as part of the campaign’s initial rollout.

Gov. Baricuatro also administered Vitamin A supplements to children during the activity.

The provincial government and DOH 7 are expected to continue working closely with local government units, health workers, and communities throughout the campaign to maximize vaccination coverage.

Through the coordinated effort, health officials hope to strengthen protection against measles and rubella and ensure that more children in Cebu receive the preventive healthcare they need.

(Capitol PIO, Photos by YJB, ARJ)