Measles cases in Northern Mindanao have gone up by 10 percent, according to the Department of Health-Northern Mindanao (DOH-10).

DOH-10 data showed that cases of measles went up from 371 in 2024 to 412 in 2025, which has raised concerns among health authorities.

DOH-10 said the increase may be due to the low vaccination turnout.

“Kasagaran sa atong nakita nga mga cases almost 50% wala na bakunahan. Ang atong problema sa komplikasyon tungod sa measles ang pinaka-common nga complication is mag-pulmonya… mao nay kasagaran kamatyan sa bata ang pulmonya,” DOH-10 Director, Dr. Sulpicio Henry Legaspi, said.

To prevent cases from rising further, DOH-10 is set to launch a massive vaccination drive through the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity, which will run from January 19 to February 12, 2026.

The activity targets to vaccinate nearly 500,000 children six months to 59 months old in the region.

“Maski katong bata nga nabakunahan na, maski moingon ka nga ang first man gud niini 9 months and 12 months, maski nabakunahan na siya ug duha, tagaan lang gihapon nato para protektado gyud,” Legaspi added.

DOH-10 assured that the vaccine is safe and has long been used in barangay health centers and rural health units.

Health authorities also urged parents to take advantage of the program to protect their children from measles by visiting their nearest health centers.

Measles and rubella are among the diseases that can affect children. Once infected, a child may experience high fever, cough, colds, and skin rashes.

The disease is highly contagious through direct contact.

DAVAO VACCINATION

Meanwhile, the Department of Health-Davao (DOH-11) reported that the number of children vaccinated against measles and rubella in the region has decreased.

DOH-11 said only 51 percent of children in Davao Region were vaccinated against measles and rubella in 2025, down from 61 percent in 2024.

In 2025, the region logged 21 cases of measles and seven cases of rubella.

“Mataas ang kaso natin but hindi ganon kataas compared to other region however uulitin natin we need to protect your children kasi importante na maabot natin ang 95% coverage para ang herd immunity ay makuha natin,” DOH-11 OIC Assistant Director, Dr. Grace Amistoso, said.

Health authorities said the a major challenge is ensuring children complete the full course of vaccines.

“Ang problema gyud nato is the completion of vaccines masugdan unya mawala na sa system sa health facility maong di makumpleto importante nga sayo pa ang sailang kinabuhi madawat na niya because it protects your child from 5 vaccine-preventable diseases,” DOH-11 Medical Officer, Dr. Janis Olivades, said.

“We make vaccination available sa tanan we have the fixed sites in fact halos tanan ng malls sa davao city and malls sa ibang povinces and the terminals,” Amistoso added.

DOH-11 aims to vaccinate 513,000 children in the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity.

(With reports from Jandi Esteban, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)