Measles-Rubella Cases Rise in the Philippines
Measles-rubella cases in the Philippines have increased by eight percent during the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to health sources familiar with the matter. This rise in cases has prompted the Department of Health (DOH) to intensify routine immunization programs nationwide to curb further outbreaks, especially among young children who are most vulnerable.
By May 10, reports indicate that there were 2,118 measles-rubella cases recorded, with 2,068 confirmed measles cases. The most affected areas include the National Capital Region with 642 cases, followed by CALABARZON with 289, MIMAROPA at 148, Central Luzon with 146, and the Zamboanga Peninsula registering 137 cases.
Progress in Controlling Outbreaks
Despite the increase in cases, the case fatality rate has slightly decreased to 0.42 percent from 0.46 percent during the same period last year. Notably, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) showed significant improvement, with only 121 cases this year compared to 1,179 cases in 2024.
Local experts credit this sharp decline to targeted outbreak response efforts. Health officials shared, “Last year, President Marcos told me to solve the measles outbreak in BARMM. With the strong cooperation of our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters, we vaccinated 1,203,497 individuals as part of a Measles Outbreak Response Immunization (MORI). This kind of vaccination effort is what we must do, on a routine basis.”
Vaccination Coverage and Government Initiatives
Data as of February 2025 shows that Fully Immunized Child (FIC) coverage for 2024 stands at 64.85 percent, which remains far below the World Health Organization’s 95 percent target. Health authorities stress the urgency of accelerating routine vaccination efforts. One official emphasized, “Routine vaccination should be done faster, higher, stronger, and together.”
In addition to measles-rubella, the DOH also reported a remarkable reduction in pertussis cases, dropping from 2,968 cases in early 2024 to just 200 cases by May 10, 2025. This success is attributed to intensified nationwide vaccination campaigns.
Expanding Vaccination Campaigns Nationwide
To address the issue of low vaccine coverage, the DOH is expanding its Bakuna BayaniJuan catch-up campaign alongside school-based vaccination drives. The Big Catch-up campaign in the National Capital Region last year successfully vaccinated 1.75 million individuals. Meanwhile, the school-based program has already reached 3.8 million students across the country.
These efforts demonstrate the ongoing commitment to improve immunization rates and prevent future outbreaks. Community leaders and health officials continue to encourage families to participate in vaccination programs to protect children and the wider population.
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