Iloilo city: The Iloilo City Health Office is set to launch an ambitious measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity (MR-SIA) and Vitamin A supplementation campaign on August 10, targeting nearly 41,000 children aged 6 to 59 months. The goal is to vaccinate at least 95% of the Department of Health's projected 40,973 eligible children.

According to Philippines News Agency, National Immunization Program Coordinator Mayette Gabanto announced that to maximize turnout, the city will utilize fixed vaccination sites rather than conducting house-to-house visits. "House-to-house vaccination is discouraged, so we have temporary fixed posts. Our barangay health workers have been instructed to gather the target population in designated areas," Gabanto explained during a press conference.

The campaign will deploy a total of 118 vaccinators, including five from the Department of Health, to ensure the smooth rollout of the vaccination drive. In the previous MR-SIA conducted in 2023, Iloilo City successfully vaccinated 27,609 children, achieving 73.89 percent of its target.

Gabanto also highlighted the ongoing challenge of vaccine hesitancy, which continues to impact immunization efforts. "We have been strengthening our advocacy that vaccines are safe," she stated. The campaign will kick off with an opening ceremony at the Talatapan Child Development Center at Iloilo City Hall.

The nationwide MR-SIA is part of a broader effort to address immunization gaps, curb the transmission of measles, and prevent severe illness and deaths.