At least 180 cases of measles were recorded in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur in the first three months of 2024.

The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) said Maguindanao del Norte has more cases, particularly in the towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat with 65, Parang with 42, Buldon with 22, Barira with 19, and Matanog with 18.

Maguindanao del Sur, on the other hand, logged 20 cases.

“More than 90 percent of those na confirmed natin ay walang bakuna sa measles rubella,” Maguindanao IPHO Chief, Dr. Mohammad Ariff Baguindali, said.

Most of the patients were unvaccinated, prompting the IPHO to boost its immunization program against measles.

From April 1 to April 10, 2024, the IPHO targets to vaccinate more than 400,000 residents in the said provinces.

The IPHO considers vaccine hesitancy as a problem, which compelled the office to improve its house-to-house vaccination campaign.

“Noong napansin natin na lumalaki talaga kinalampag natin yung ating surveillance. Hinaype natin yung ating health facilities,” Baguindali added.