The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, 20 December, vowed to strengthen its vaccination drive against measles-rubella in 2026 following a 29 percent rise in cases nationwide compared to last year.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said the first phase of the Ligtas-Tigdas Vaccination will be conducted in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from 19 January to 13 February.

Meanwhile, the second phase will be conducted in Luzon and Visayas in June. The DOH targets to vaccinate children aged six months to five years.

Herbosa said that through the Ligtas-Tigdas Vaccination, the DOH, in partnership with local government units (LGUs), will intensify vaccination against measles and rubella to prevent child deaths due to the disease.

"Measles-rubella is highly contagious and deadly, but if children between six months and five years are vaccinated, they are protected from the risk of the disease," the DOH said.

As of 6 December, the DOH reported 4,843 measles-rubella cases. Of which, 3,511 or 73 percent of the total cases were unvaccinated. The total is 29 percent, higher than the 3,748 cases in 2024.

Among the top three regions with the most cases are the National Capital Region (1,027), BARMM (768), and Calabarzon (505).

The DOH reminded the parents and guardians that vaccination for measles-rubella is still ongoing at health centers and designated vaccination sites even during the holiday season.