Iloilo City launches urgent measles vaccination drive after 11 cases in 2026

Iloilo City has recorded 11 measles cases so far in 2026, with six suspected and five confirmed. Health authorities are now stepping up efforts to tackle the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases through a city-wide immunisation drive. The City Health Office (CHO) and the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-WV CHD) are working together to prevent outbreaks. A Measles-Rubella Supplementary Immunization Activity is set for August, targeting children aged six to 59 months across the city.

The CHO is updating its list of eligible children and running house-to-house campaigns to boost participation. Officials have noted a drop in complete childhood immunisation rates, blaming vaccine hesitancy and low awareness among parents. In 2025, Iloilo City reported 72 suspected measles-rubella cases, up from 68 in 2024.

The CHO stresses that vaccines are safe, effective, and free. Parents and guardians are being urged to bring their children forward for vaccination to shield them from disease. The campaign aims to increase protection against measles and rubella in the city. Health officials have called for full cooperation from families to ensure children receive the necessary jabs. Free and accessible vaccines remain the key tool in preventing further cases.