Mindanao anti-measles drive fails to meet targetThe health agency said more than half a million children in Mindanao are still unvaccinated against measles after the “Ligtas Tigdas” program failed to cover 95 percent of 2.8 million children. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health yesterday warned of a possible measles outbreak in Mindanao after a DOH vaccination campaign failed to meet the target number of children to be immunized against the disease. The health agency said more than half a million children in Mindanao are still unvaccinated against measles after the “Ligtas Tigdas” program failed to cover 95 percent of 2.8 million children. Although the vaccination campaign in Mindanao has ended, the DOH reminded residents that routine immunization continues in local health centers. The anti-measles campaign will be expanded to Luzon and the Visayas in June, targeting 11 million children.

Source: Philippine Star February 21, 2026 16:45 UTC