The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Saturday that over one million children in Mindanao have been vaccinated against measles and rubella during the first week of its supplemental immunization campaign.
According to a DOH update on Jan. 23, the figure represents 36 percent of the 2.8 million children aged six to 59 months targeted for the first phase of the “Ligtas Tigdas” program.
Northern Mindanao recorded the highest turnout, with approximately 230,000 children receiving the vaccine.
The campaign, which began on Jan. 19, aims to curb a rising trend in cases.
DOH data showed that measles and rubella cases in the Philippines reached 5,123 in 2025—a 32-percent increase from the previous year. Health officials noted that 73 percent of those infected were unvaccinated, and 42 percent of the national case total was concentrated in Mindanao.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and deaths linked to these diseases,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said, emphasizing that one infected child can transmit the virus to as many as 18 others.
In addition to the vaccines, health workers are providing Vitamin A supplements to boost the immunity of young recipients.
The immunization drive in Mindanao is scheduled to continue until February.
The DOH plans to roll out the program in Luzon and the Visayas in June to meet its national target of protecting over 10 million children this year.
Parents are encouraged to visit local health centers or coordinate with their barangay officials for the free vaccines.