DOH steps up measles vaccination in BARMM ahead of Ramadan

The Department of Health has intensified measles vaccination efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which has the second highest number of reported cases nationwide, amid a 32% year-on-year increase.

In an Unang Balita interview on Tuesday, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Dr. Albert Domingo said 5,123 measles cases were recorded nationwide as of December 27, up from 3,880 during the same period last year.

“Yung datos natin sa measles as of December 27, may 5,123 na naitala—mas mataas ng 32% kumpara sa nakaraang taon," he said. 

(As of December 27, we recorded 5,123 measles cases nationwide—32 percent higher than last year.)

Domingo said Metro Manila logged the highest number of cases, followed by BARMM and Calabarzon, underscoring the need for focused interventions in high-risk areas.

Preventing disruption during Ramadan

The DOH said the timing of the intensified vaccination campaign in BARMM is aimed at protecting children before the start of Ramadan, when health-seeking behavior may be affected by religious observance.

“Gusto nating mauna ito bago mag-Ramadan para hindi tayo makaistorbo sa ating mga kapusong Muslim," he noted.

(We want to address this ahead of Ramadan so as not to disrupt our Muslim brothers and sisters.)

Health officials stressed that measles vaccination remains free and accessible at government health centers across the region.

“Libre itong immunization sa mga bata mula anim na buwan hanggang 59 months o wala pang limang taong gulang.”

(This immunization is free for children aged six months to under five years old.)

Routine immunization continues

Beyond campaign-based activities, the DOH said routine immunization for newborns and infants continues daily in BARMM health facilities, even in areas without special measles-rubella campaigns.

Domingo also assured the public that the rise in measles cases is separate from reports of the so-called “super flu,” a variant of Influenza A, which he said is not driving severe respiratory infections.

“Napakaliit ng porsyento ng severe respiratory cases na may kaugnayan sa subclade K—0.06% lamang," he added.

(Only 0.06 percent of severe respiratory cases are linked to subclade K.)

Meanwhile, the DOH urged parents and caregivers in BARMM to ensure children receive complete vaccinations, noting that measles is highly contagious but preventable through immunization. —AOL, GMA Integrated News