The Department of Health-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) launched its Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization (MRSI) campaign in Sibulan town on Friday.

Dr. Liland Estacion, Provincial Health Office chief, said Sibulan was selected as venue because of its large population of young children.

During the launch, World Health Organization (WHO) consultant Dr. Mohammed Reazul Hasan delivered a message of support to the third phase and the largest component of the nationwide MRSI campaign.

“It aims to protect more than 6.2 million children aged 6 to 59 months across the Visayas and the remaining areas of Luzon,” Hasan said.

He said the first two phases covered 3.4 million children, or about 82.2 percent of the target, while the third phase seeks to reach nearly twice as many children.

“This is important progress that also reminds us that our work is not yet finished,” Hasan said.

He stressed the need to close remaining immunity gaps by intensifying efforts to achieve at least 95 percent immunization coverage and reach all eligible children, not only in the barangays but also in every “purok” (cluster).

The DOH-NIR is targeting 437,586 eligible children in Negros and Siquijor for the supplemental immunization campaign Aug. 10 to 28.

During the ceremonial immunization in Sibulan, health workers administered measles-rubella vaccines, along with Vitamin A.

Health authorities reiterated their appeal to parents to have their children vaccinated, regardless of their previous immunization history.

Estacion told the Philippine News Agency that Negros Oriental remains free of measles, although some suspect cases are being tested.

She said nine swab samples have been submitted for laboratory testing, with two yielding negative results.

“Four [are] waiting for results and another three did not require testing because they did not fulfill the case definition,” Estacion said. (PNA)