Close to 1M kids in BARMM get measles vaccine —DOH

Close to one million children aged six months to below 10 years old in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are now immunized against measles, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Latest data from the DOH and the Bangsamoro Minister of Health (MOH) showed the vaccination coverage for children in the autonomous region reached 72% or a total of 981,805 as of April 17. The target population for the inoculation is 1,371,284.

Of the vaccinated areas, the top three Bangsamoro provinces with the highest vaccine coverage are Maguindanao del Norte (233,310; 91.2%), Sulu (229,960; 89.5%), and Maguindanao del Sur (190,217; 81.8%).

“Dedication, commitment, and unity have been instrumental in achieving this remarkable vaccination coverage, which undoubtedly contributes to safeguarding the health and well-being of our people, especially the young ones. We will leave no one behind, dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

In March, the Bangsamoro government said it was expanding its vaccination efforts to prevent and combat the spread of the measles outbreak throughout the region.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads from infected individuals through the air, mainly through coughing or sneezing.

It can spread rapidly in areas with low vaccination rates and poses a significant public health risk, as it affects all age groups but is more common in children.

The symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a body rash

The DOH earlier said all regions, except Bicol and Central Visayas, reported increasing measles cases in February. 

Herbosa also said the DOH aims to vaccinate at least 90% of the high-risk population, especially children aged six months to 10 years, to control measles in the country.—LDF, GMA Integrated News