Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president and Quirino Governor Dax Cua called on his fellow leaders to “push harder” to convince their constituents to have their children vaccinated against measles and rubella (MR).
This, as the Department of Health reported that over 5,000 cases of MR have been recorded over the past year.
“I urge my fellow local leaders to continue to push harder against vaccine hesitancy so that parents can be convinced to have their children vaccinated. Measles and rubella are very serious and highly contagious diseases that could lead to disability and death among children—but they can be prevented by getting vaccinated,” Cua said.
Cua warned that if the lack of vaccination is left unaddressed, the country could see another measles outbreak.
In a televised public briefing, the DOH said that from Jan. 1, 2025 to Jan. 3, 2026, measles and rubella cases reached 5,159, which is 32 percent higher compared to 3,901 cases posted in 2024.
The DOH added that 73 percent of the total cases were unvaccinated.
Cua warned that if the lack of vaccination is left unaddressed, the country could see another measles outbreak.
The country suffered a measles epidemic in 2018 and 2019, when reported cases increased from 2,428 in 2017 to 20,827 in 2018, and 48,525 in 2019.
“We must do our utmost best to prevent another outbreak from occurring. Kapag nagkataon, kawawa hindi lamang ang mga bata, kundi pati mga pamilya nila, at mabigat din ang epekto nito sa pondo ng pamahalaan at sa kapasidad ng ating mga health facilities,” Cua said.
The governor urged local government units to continue deploying their health workers to educate and convince people in communities to have their children immunized.
“Let’s convince the immunization of children not only against MR, but also other diseases. Sayang ang readily-available vaccines sa ating mga health center kung hindi naman magagamit para maprotektahan ang mga bata sa banta ng sakit,” he said.
