Northern Mindanao Measles Cases Surge 11%, 74% Remain Unvaccinated
Northern Mindanao is experiencing a troubling increase in measles cases. The Department of Health (DOH) reported 411 infections in 2025, marking an 11% rise from 371 cases in 2024. Health officials anticipate a worsening scenario in 2026, primarily due to a significant number of unvaccinated children.
Vaccination Rates and Challenges
According to DOH-X, 74% of the measles patients in 2025 were unvaccinated. Moreover, the region’s overall vaccination coverage is concerning. Only 56.7% of the eligible population received Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccinations, far below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity.
Regional Coverage Statistics
- Cagayan de Oro: 87.21% coverage
- Bukidnon: 49.71% coverage
- Misamis Oriental: 51.87% coverage
- Misamis Occidental: 52.05% coverage
- Iligan: 52.55% coverage
- Camiguin: 53.73% coverage
Health officials, including Dr. Germaine Labadan from DOH-X, have highlighted the need for immediate intervention. In line with this, the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) will target children aged six months to 59 months. The program is set to run for 21 days, from January 19 to February 13.
MR-SIA Program Details
The MR-SIA initiative will distribute booster MR vaccines and Vitamin A supplements. It is open to all eligible children, regardless of their immunization status. Health personnel aim to vaccinate at least 80 children daily, using teams comprising a vaccinator, assessor, and recorder.
Local Implementation
The launch event will occur at Barangay Macasandig in Cagayan de Oro on January 19. Giovanni Dael from the Cagayan de Oro City Health Office reported that local health workers have received training for this effort.
Recent Measles Statistics
In 2025, Cagayan de Oro recorded 23 measles cases, a significant decline from 55 cases the previous year. However, Lanao del Norte experienced the highest increase, rising by 51% from 196 to 295 cases. Other notable statistics include:
- Misamis Oriental: Cases decreased from 45 to 21
- Iligan: Cases decreased from 32 to 23
- Camiguin: Cases dropped from 7 to 4
- Bukidnon: No change at 23 cases
- Misamis Occidental: No change at 22 cases
DOH-X estimates approximately 524,267 children are eligible for the MR vaccine this year. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of achieving 95% vaccination coverage to significantly reduce measles cases.
The Importance of Vaccination
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. Symptoms often include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. Serious complications can arise, particularly in malnourished children, including blindness and severe respiratory infections.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlights that 26 out of every 1,000 Filipino children do not reach the age of five. Health experts recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine for infants at nine and 12 months to prevent such outcomes.
Health officials and advocates are working tirelessly to address the low immunization rates. Dr. Tristan Labitad from DOH-X has reiterated that the vaccines provided are safe and effective. He acknowledged ongoing challenges in persuading parents to vaccinate their children, emphasizing the critical need to achieve herd immunity.
