Laos, partners launch campaign to tackle measles and rubella

The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Government of Australia, UNICEF and WHO, has announced a nationwide measles and rubella vaccination campaign in a major effort to protect children’s health.

This critical initiative coincides with World Immunisation Week 2024, highlighting the importance of vaccines in safeguarding children’s lives.
The campaign, which rolls out across Laos from May 20-31 and is supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to prevent the spread of the two childhood diseases, measles and rubella, in Laos.
The campaign is especially timely as measles and rubella cases are on the rise globally due to low vaccination rates among children, according to UNICEF.
Speaking at a press conference, Deputy Minister of Health Dr Snong Thongsna said “I would like to express my gratitude for the immense contribution of all stakeholders to Laos’ immunisation efforts for children, including this campaign.”
“The launch of this campaign comes shortly after World Immunisation Week 2024 and is expected to provide protection to more than half a million children under five years of age.
The measles and rubella vaccine will be provided free of charge under the administration of the Ministry of Health at all health centres throughout Laos.
“Vaccines are a remarkable human success story,” said Senior Country Manager and Coordinator of Gavi support in Laos, Nadia Lasri.
“Over many decades, billions of children have been protected against life-threatening diseases. However, as the rising number of measles and rubella cases worldwide shows, some children are still missing out.”
“Our current campaign must prioritise reaching all children, especially those who haven’t received a single dose of a measles-containing vaccine. We must continue to invest in ensuring that the most vulnerable and hard-to-access communities are not left behind.”
Charge d’Affaires at the Australian Embassy, Dan Heldon, said “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious illness caused by measles and rubella and to improve their health and well-being.”
“The measles and rubella vaccine is effective and has been used for several decades worldwide. It’s important that children receive this life saving vaccine at their recommended ages.”
UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR, Dr Pia Rebello Britto, reaffirmed UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to the health of Lao children and the expansion of their access to life-saving immunisations.
“At this moment, as we confront a resurgence of diseases we once had on the run, our shared commitment to global health through collaboration and trust in science has never been more vital. Let’s ensure that no child is left behind, because our actions today will define the health and prosperity of future generations.”
Acting WHO Representative to the Lao PDR, Dr Timothy Armstrong, praised the commitment and dedication of health workers and volunteers in driving national immunisation efforts.
“We are proud to be supporting their efforts, and to be working alongside the Ministry of Health, our sister agency UNICEF, and our partners in this major initiative.”
 “Improving measles and rubella vaccination rates in Laos is critical if we are to avoid the deadly measles outbreaks experienced by other countries,” he said.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 26, 2024)