BARMM to expand measles vaccinations to combat outbreak

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was expanding its vaccination efforts to prevent and combat the spread of the measles outbreak throughout the region.

In a press conference, BARMM’s Ministry of Health (MOH) said its extensive vaccination activities would start in April to ensure more residents could access the vaccine and were protected from the disease.

“In response to the growing threat of the outbreak, MOH will undertake an expansion of vaccination activities in Bangsamoro communities to ensure a larger proportion of the Bangsamoro children are vaccinated against measles,” said MOH Deputy Minister Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas.

From January 1 to March 20, 2024, 592 cases were recorded in the region. Of the number, 521 were unvaccinated, and 71 were vaccinated.

Lanao del Sur had 220 measles cases or 37% of the total cases in the region.

Two of the fatalities were from Lanao del Sur, while the other one was from Sulu.

“We urge Bangsamoro parents to vaccinate their children against measles. This remains the most effective defense against the virus. By working with us, we can minimize the spread of this preventable disease,” Abas said.

The MOH emphasized that vaccination was a safe, halal, and proven method of preventing measles and its potentially serious consequences.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads from infected individuals through the air, mainly through coughing or sneezing.

It can spread rapidly in areas with low vaccination rates and poses a significant public health risk, as it affects all age groups but is more common in children.

The symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a body rash.

On Thursday, the DOH said all regions, except Bicol and Central Visayas, reported increasing measles cases in the past month.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said they aim to vaccinate at least 90% of the high-risk population, especially children aged six months to 10 years, to control measles in the country. — DVM, GMA Integrated News