Cebu intensifies measles, rubella immunization drive

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Government has taken steps to strengthen its province-wide immunization campaign against measles and rubella.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro issued Executive Order (EO) No. 40 creating the Provincial Immunization Task Force.

The task force will serve as the primary coordinating, supervisory, and decision-making body for the implementation of the 2026 Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity and other immunization-related initiatives within the province.

Chaired by Baricuatro, the task force’s power and functions include review and update provincial strategies to ensure alignment with Department of Health policies and issuances; provide overall policy direction and technical oversight for immunization programs; and ensure effective coordination among provincial offices, component cities and municipalities, barangays, national government agencies, and development partners.

It is also tasked to review preparedness plans and provide technical guidance to implementing units; mobilize resources and implementation; facilitate technical assistance necessary for campaign; monitor implementation progress and address operational concerns encountered during campaign implementation; and review campaign accomplishments and recommend corrective measures to improve immunization coverage.

In the same order, seven sub-task groups were also formed for effective implementation of the order namely: Planning And Technical Support Group; Coordination, Local Partnership and Service Delivery Group; Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation Group; Data Management, Monitoring and Reporting Group; Surveillance and Response Group; and the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Group.

“There is a need to mobilize all component cities and municipalities, barangays, national government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector in a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to achieve high immunization coverage and protect the health of every Cebuano child,” read the EO that was signed on July 15, 2026.

The creation of the task force was in support of the 2026 Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) under DOH’s National Immunization Program.

According to the World Health Organization, measles and rubella are both highly contagious viral diseases that can cause serious health complications, especially among young children and pregnant women.

While measles remains a leading cause of child deaths and rubella can result in severe birth defects, cases of both diseases have significantly declined over the past decade due to widespread vaccination efforts.(MyTVCebu)