DOH-Davao Officially Kicks Off Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign
The Department of Health–Davao Region (DOH-Davao) officially rolled out the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity on Monday morning, January 19, 2026, at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City. The ceremonial launch featured the first symbolic vaccinations of children from Barangay Ubalde and was attended by several city officials, marking a significant step in the regional health initiative.
Regional Vaccination Gaps Highlighted in Mindanao
One week into the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) of the Department of Health (DOH), data reveals concerning gaps in vaccination coverage across Mindanao. According to DOH records, there remains more than 400,000 children in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that have yet to receive vaccination.
Specifically, 406,507 children aged 6 to 59 months in BARMM have not been vaccinated against measles and rubella. This is followed by other regions with significant numbers of unvaccinated children: Davao Region with 337,123; Zamboanga Peninsula with 308,957; Soccsksargen with 292,978; Northern Mindanao with 280,631; and Caraga with 135,328.
In total, there are still 1,761,524 children aged six to 59 months across Mindanao that have not been vaccinated by the health department as part of this campaign.
Progress and Achievements in Vaccination Efforts
Despite the challenges, some regions have made notable progress. Northern Mindanao has already reached nearly 250,000 eligible children, with records showing that, as of January 25, a total of 242,988 children have been vaccinated in this region.
Other regions have also reported vaccination numbers: Zamboanga Peninsula with 214,749; Davao Region with 175,886; BARMM with 170,723; Soccsksargen with 158,272; and Caraga with 133,967. Overall, a total of 1,096,585 children in Mindanao have been vaccinated since the campaign began on January 19.
Campaign Details and Accessibility
The DOH launched Phase 1 of the MR-SIA program in Mindanao on January 19, and it will run until February 13. The measles-rubella vaccines are provided free of charge and can be accessed through various channels to ensure broad coverage.
Parents and guardians can avail of the vaccines at fixed post sites, such as barangay health stations and rural health units. Additionally, the DOH is conducting house-to-house vaccination and mobile clinics to reach children in remote or underserved areas, emphasizing the importance of community-wide immunization to prevent outbreaks.
