MAKATI CITY — The City Government of Makati is mobilizing its health workers and personnel for the upcoming “Ligtas Tigdas: Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Campaign,” a major catch-up initiative aimed at protecting young children against two highly contagious viral diseases. The campaign, which aligns with the nationwide effort of the Department of Health (DOH), is set to target nearly 10,000 children aged nine to 59 months across all of the city‘s barangays, to be completed within a single month. This proactive measure comes amid a concerning rise in measles and rubella cases in other parts of the National Capital Region, emphasizing the city’s vigilance in safeguarding the health of its youngest residents.
Addressing Immunization Gaps Amid Rising National Cases
The campaign is a data-driven response to close immunity gaps and prevent potential outbreaks, even as Makati has maintained zero measles prevalence rates since 2024. Nationwide, the need for such action is critical. The DOH recorded a 45% spike in combined measles and rubella cases in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. As of early April 2026, a total of 1,627 cases were reported, with 68% of those affected being unvaccinated. In a stark reminder of the disease‘s severity, a four-month-old infant died of measles in Quezon City in late March, marking the city’s first measles-related death of the year. The current national MR vaccination coverage stands at roughly 66% of the eligible population, leaving an estimated 821,000 children unprotected. Makati is proactively participating in the nationwide initiative to maintain its strong health record, even though it was not initially listed among the DOH’s six priority areas of concern.
A Multi-Pronged Strategy for Full Protection
The vaccination drive specifically targets children who have not yet received the recommended two doses of the measles vaccine, which are essential for full protection against the disease. To ensure maximum reach, the city will employ a house-to-house approach while also designating all 18 health centers across Makati as fixed vaccination posts where parents can bring their children. Health workers and city personnel will conduct intensified information and immunization activities in preparation for the rollout, and the local government has assured residents that the vaccines to be administered are free, safe, and effective.
‘No Child in Makati Should Suffer’
Mayor Binay has issued a strong call to parents and guardians, urging them to welcome health workers and take advantage of the opportunity to ensure their children receive this crucial protection. “While Makati has maintained zero measles prevalence rates since 2024, we remain vigilant in protecting our youngest Makatizens. This initiative reflects the city’s data-driven approach to closing immunity gaps and preventing potential outbreaks,” Mayor Abby said. The campaign complements Makati‘s regular year-round vaccination programs, which have contributed significantly to the city’s high immunization rates, including a recent School-Based Immunization (SBI) program that administered vaccines to thousands of students.
