The Bangsamoro government has beefed up its vaccination efforts against measles following an outbreak that killed three people as of March 20, 2024.

From January 1 to March 20, 2024, the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Health (MOH) recorded a total of 592 cases in the region. At least 521 patients were unvaccinated while only 71 were vaccinated. 

Two of the fatalities came from Lanao del Sur, the province with the most number of cases with 220. The other fatality was from Sulu.

Due to the outbreak, the MOH has intensified its vaccination activities starting April 2024 to ensure that residents will have access to the measles vaccination.

“In response to the growing threat of the outbreak, MOH will undertake an expansion of vaccination activities in Bangsamoro communities to ensure a larger proportion of the Bangsamoro children is vaccinated against measles," MOH Deputy Minister Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas was quoted as saying.

“Measles is a serious and potentially dangerous virus that can spread rapidly in areas with low vaccination rates and poses a significant public health risk. It can affect anyone but is most common in children and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death,” the Bangsamoro Government said.

Health authorities are urging the Bangsamoro residents to get vaccinated against measles and remain vigilant to protect themselves and their families.

“We urge Bangsamoro parents to vaccinate their children against measles. This remains the most effective defense against the virus. By working with us, we can minimize the spread of this preventable disease,” Abas added.

The MOH said it is working closely with healthcare providers, schools, local partners, media, and other stakeholders to raise awareness on the importance of measles vaccination and prevent further transmission of the virus.