Manila: At least 437,586 children aged 6 to 59 months are targeted for the measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity (MR-SIA) in Negros Island Region (NIR) from Aug. 10 to 28, data from the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday showed.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOH-NIR, which covers Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bacolod City, called on parents and caregivers to have their children vaccinated for free and help protect them from measles and rubella, and also have them receive Vitamin A supplementation. In Negros Occidental, several local chief executives have expressed support for the 'Ligtas Tigdas' campaign next month.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, urged parents to bring their children for vaccination to the nearest health center in their barangay. Cauayan town Mayor John Rey Tabujara also encouraged every parent, guardian, and concerned resident to support the MR-SIA, emphasizing that the vaccine is free, safe, and effective.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family and is normally passed through direct contact and the air. Rubella is a contagious viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults.

The DOH's Regional Verification Committee concluded in September 2025 that endemic measles and rubella transmission is ongoing in the country, with a sustained upward trend in cases over the past 12 months. Despite multiple outbreak response immunizations conducted from 2024 to 2025, vaccination coverage has remained below target, and cases continue to rise, prompting the RVC to recommend a high-quality, nationwide, non-selective MR-SIA for 2026. Vitamin A supplementation is integrated as it mitigates measles-related complications from Vitamin A deficiency and enhances immune response.