Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the commencement of a measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity (MRSIA) in Mindanao, set to begin on January 19, in response to a significant increase in cases. Data reveals that 73 percent of those affected were unvaccinated.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo reported that measles and rubella cases have surged to 5,159 between January 1, 2025, and January 3, 2026. This marks a 32 percent increase compared to the 3,901 cases documented in 2024. Domingo emphasized the alarming statistic that 73 percent of the cases involved unvaccinated individuals during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
Mindanao has been prioritized for the immunization rollout due to it being home to most high-transmission areas, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Other identified high-transmission areas are Mimaropa and the National Capital Region outside Mindanao.
Domingo highlighted the importance of the early rollout to prevent disturbances during the observance of Ramadan, beginning on February 17, ensuring that the vaccination campaign does not interfere with this period of reflection and prayer for Muslim communities.
The MRSIA aims to vaccinate children aged six to 59 months, while routine immunizations will persist nationwide, with the initial dose administered at nine months and a booster at 12 months. A subsequent phase of the immunization activity is planned for Luzon and the Visayas around June, with assurances from Domingo that routine vaccinations will remain accessible even before the MRSIA rollout.
Additionally, Domingo stated that the government is committed to enhancing health services, supported by the proposed PHP448-billion health budget for 2026. The budget includes provisions for PhilHealth to alleviate out-of-pocket expenses and broaden benefits, targeting coverage of 25 to 30 percent of hospital bills, with the potential to surpass this goal.
The DOH's expanded immunization initiative and heightened health expenditure aim to safeguard vulnerable groups and prevent further outbreaks, particularly among unvaccinated children.
