Western visayas: The measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity (MR-SIA) and Vitamin A drive has successfully reached 36.5 percent of its target population, covering 149,021 out of 408,114 children aged 6 to 59 months in Western Visayas from August 10 to 17.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) released a report indicating that as of Monday, the province of Capiz achieved a 43.5 percent coverage. Following Capiz, Iloilo province reported a 37.15 percent coverage, Antique 37.3 percent, Aklan 30.8 percent, Guimaras 30.7 percent, and Iloilo City 29.7 percent. The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) separately reported that 64,038 eligible children in the province have been vaccinated against measles and rubella.

"Now on Day 6 of the campaign, we continue to see encouraging progress across our LGUs (local government units). Five LGUs have already surpassed the 51 percent cumulative target, led by Miagao with 68.2 percent, followed by Guimbal at 58.1 percent, Lemery at 55.6 percent, Mina at 54.78 percent, and the City of Passi at 53.67 percent," the IPHO stated in its report.

As the campaign entered its seventh day, the cumulative target for the province has been adjusted to 59.5 percent. The IPHO has urged local government units to reassess and adjust their vaccination session plans to close the gap and meet the cumulative target.

Dr. Jose Martin Atienza, the DOH WV CHD regional immunization program coordinator, emphasized that measles is a vaccine-preventable but highly contagious disease. He assured that immunization is available and accessible through local health centers, affirming that "our vaccines are proven to be safe, effective, and free to protect our children against the most common vaccine-preventable diseases."

The MR-SIA and Vitamin A administration efforts are scheduled to run until August 28.