The Department of Health (DOH) will launch a nationwide measles vaccination drive on January 19 to combat the ongoing outbreak, as reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The "Bakuna Protect" campaign aims to vaccinate 1.2 million children aged 6 to 59 months, with an additional 300,000 doses available for younger siblings and unvaccinated children up to 4 years old. The initiative will run from January 19 to February 3, targeting 1,400 local government units (LGUs) across the country.
Measles cases in the Philippines have surged in recent years, with 2019 seeing a record high of 32,000 cases and 444 deaths. The outbreak has been linked to low vaccination rates, with only 70% of children receiving the required two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The DOH attributes this decline to misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and logistical challenges in vaccine distribution.
The upcoming vaccination drive is part of the government’s effort to achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 95% vaccination coverage. The DOH has secured 1.5 million doses of the MMR vaccine, with an additional 300,000 doses allocated for younger siblings and unvaccinated children. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating, “This is a critical step in preventing further spread of the disease and protecting our children.”
The measles outbreak has disproportionately affected children under 5, with the National Capital Region (NCR) and Central Luzon reporting the highest number of cases. Hospitals in these regions have been overwhelmed, leading to shortages in medical supplies and personnel. The DOH has urged parents to bring their children to designated vaccination centers to prevent further outbreaks.
The DOH plans to sustain the vaccination drive beyond the initial two-week period, with follow-up campaigns in areas with low coverage. The agency is also collaborating with local governments, schools, and community leaders to address vaccine hesitancy and improve public awareness. The goal is to achieve and maintain 95% vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks.
