Philippines launches measles-rubella vaccination drive for children

The Department of Health is conducting a supplemental immunization campaign in the Philippines to vaccinate 445,961 children aged six to 59 months against measles and rubella. In the Eastern Visayas region, health authorities reported that 90,110 children—approximately 31 percent of the target population—had been vaccinated as of August 14, within the first four days of the drive.

Regional coverage varies, with Eastern Samar recording the highest rate at 44.27 percent and Samar recording the lowest at 23.01 percent. The campaign is scheduled to run until August 28.

In Cebu, Governor Pamela Baricuatro has urged parents to participate in the immunization efforts and cautioned against vaccine misinformation. Baricuatro emphasized the importance of consulting medical professionals rather than unverified online sources to combat vaccine hesitancy and prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases.