The Department of Health in the Davao Region (DOH-Davao), in a concerted effort with local government units, is launching a massive immunization campaign targeting 513,009 children aged 6 to 59 months. This initiative is a critical part of an intensified fight against the highly contagious and dangerous measles and rubella viruses.
Closing Immunity Gaps to Prevent Outbreaks
Dr. Grace Amistoso, Assistant Regional Director of DOH-Davao, emphasized the campaign's goal during a recent Kapehan sa Dabaw forum. She stated that the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity is designed to close existing immunity gaps in the community and stave off potential outbreaks. "These diseases are highly contagious, preventable yet can lead to severe complications like life-long disability and even death if left unchecked," Dr. Amistoso warned.
Medical Officer IV Dr. Janis Olavides provided context, revealing that the region recorded low vaccination rates in 2025. A primary reason identified was the challenge faced by working parents, particularly mothers, who find it difficult to visit health centers during standard weekday operating hours. This logistical hurdle has led to incomplete immunization for many children.
Two-Phase Rollout and Adult Vulnerability
The national immunization drive will be implemented in two distinct phases:
- Phase 1: Scheduled from January to February 2026, covering Mindanao.
- Phase 2: Set for June 2026, focusing on Luzon and the Visayas.
Dr. Olavides also highlighted a crucial public health message: measles is not solely a childhood disease. "It's not just the children who can be infected with measles; we have our adults," she explained. Many infected adults were found to have missed vaccinations during their own infancy, underscoring the lifelong importance of immunization.
Davao City's Status and Strategic Monitoring
In Davao City, Dr. Analiza Malubay, the National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator for the City Health Office (CHO), reported a positive trend but ongoing concern. While the city recorded zero measles cases in 2025 after logging cases in the two preceding years, vaccination coverage remains below target. The city aims to immunize approximately 160,000 children.
The last known measles case in Davao City was in Bunawan in 2024, with neighboring Panabo City reporting several cases last year. Given this, health authorities will keep a close watch on border areas including Bunawan, Buda, and Toril. Vaccination teams will be deployed across all 18 health centers in the city's three congressional districts to ensure wide reach.
Dr. Malubay joined her colleagues in making a strong appeal to parents and guardians. She urged them to prioritize their children's health by bringing them to the nearest health center for vaccination, a simple step that provides powerful protection against preventable diseases.
