The Department of Health (DOH) is intensifying its campaign against measles—locally known as tigdas—a viral infection that spreads rapidly through respiration or contact with saliva and nasal fluids from an infected person.
Though its onset may be quiet, the speed of transmission is dangerous: according to the DOH, one child with measles can infect up to 16 other unvaccinated children.
In Mindanao, the DOH–Ligtas Tigdas vaccination drive has already begun after the region recorded 42 percent, or 2,172, of the country’s total 5,159 Measles-Rubella cases. The campaign addresses not just the numbers, but also long-standing barriers to access and trust.
DOH teams, together with local government units (LGUs), are going around puroks and sitios—especially in far-flung areas—to provide free measles vaccination.
To strengthen community coverage, LGUs have designated fixed and temporary vaccination sites, including schools, barangay halls, and pop-up clinics. Instead of families traveling long distances, health services are brought directly to the children.
Alongside vaccination, health workers offer calm, clear explanations about vaccine safety, effectiveness, and the importance of completing the recommended doses.
The campaign targets children aged 6 to 59 months (under five years old), who are most vulnerable to severe complications from measles. By combining data-driven urgency with community engagement and on-the-ground service, the DOH aims to close immunity gaps and prevent outbreaks—protecting not just individual children, but entire communities, now and in the years ahead.
