Some 630,000 children aged six months to five years in Central Visayas are being eyed for vaccination as health authorities and the Cebu Provincial Government intensify efforts to curb measles and rubella cases through a supplemental immunization campaign.
The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH 7) and the Cebu Capitol are conducting the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) from August 10 to 28, covering eligible children in Cebu and Bohol.
In Cebu, the campaign is being implemented as ‘Ligtas Tigdas 2026,’ with vaccination activities extending from provincial and municipal health facilities to communities and barangays.
Dr. Faith Curaraton, DOH 7 Regional National Immunization Program medical coordinator, said the campaign is intended to give children additional protection against the two highly contagious diseases.
She emphasized that the vaccines are provided at no cost and are considered safe and effective.
‘It is free, it is safe, it is effective. Mao ra gyud na amoang mahatag sa mga bata para ma-protektahan sila,’ Curaraton said.
The provincial government is supporting the effort through the mobilization of its health personnel and facilities.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro earlier issued Executive Order No. 40, establishing the Provincial Immunization Task Force to improve coordination among agencies and local government units in carrying out the vaccination program.
Baricuatro said the campaign should be viewed beyond vaccination statistics, as every child immunized represents another family being protected from a preventable illness.
‘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.
She added that Cebu should work toward ensuring that no child becomes seriously ill from a disease that can already be prevented through vaccination.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Sheila Faciol said 16 provincial and district hospitals will be used as vaccination venues. Rural health units in the province’s cities and municipalities will, likewise, participate in the campaign. The Provincial Health Office will coordinate with DOH 7 and local health offices throughout the three-week activity to locate and vaccinate eligible children, including those in barangays.
Barangay health workers are also being enlisted to help identify children within the target age group and facilitate their registration for vaccination.
The intensified campaign follows a reported increase in measles and rubella infections nationwide. Based on DOH figures, cases rose by 32 percent in 2025 from the previous year, while 73 percent of reported cases were among unvaccinated children.
Measles and rubella, both commonly referred to as tigdas, spread easily through the air and can result in serious health complications. Severe measles infections can be fatal, while vaccination remains the primary preventive measure, as there is no specific medicine that cures measles.
Children infected with measles may develop fever, red or watery eyes, coughing, colds, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, or lusay.
At the campaign’s regional launch at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall on August 10, eight babies were vaccinated. Baricuatro also took part in the activity by giving Vitamin A supplements to children.