The ministry of health has launched a nationwide Measles and Rubella Vaccination Campaign aimed at protecting all children between the ages of 9 to 59 months from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The official launch was held at Moti Clinic under Kholwane Umphakatsi yesterday with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF Eswatini, and World Vision.
The campaign, which will run until 15 August, is set to reach children across all regions, including remote and hard to reach areas.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Khanyakwezwe Mabuza, highlighted that the campaign is a critical step in fighting the spread of measles and rubella in Eswatini. He said the country has managed to maintain zero cases in recent years, and the campaign will help sustain this success and further reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
“This is a strategy to reduce the risk of deaths caused by measles and rubella. In 2011 alone, global cases were estimated at 9.7-million, with over 150 000 deaths. We need to immunise our population to prevent such devastation,” Mabuza said.
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WHO Representative Dr Susan Tembo emphasised the importance of the campaign, calling it a symbol of national commitment and unity in protecting children’s health.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can cause lifelong complications or even death if left untreated. Yet it is entirely preventable through vaccination,” she stated.
She applauded the ministry for integrating routine immunisation services into the campaign, including polio vaccines, Vitamin A supplements, and deworming treatments.
The campaign aims to vaccinate all children from 9 to 59 months, regardless of prior vaccination status. Health workers will also identify zero-dose and partially vaccinated children to close immunity gaps.
According to WHO, two doses of the MR vaccine are necessary to achieve adequate protection, as the first dose may not generate full immunity in up to 15% of children.
“To prevent a measles outbreak, we must vaccinate before the number of unprotected children becomes too large, we need at least 95% coverage in every district to stop transmission.” said Tembo.
She added that the campaign reflects government leadership, strong partnerships, and a resilient health system determined to leave no child behind.
Measles, a highly infectious virus, poses a higher risk to children under five, especially those who are malnourished or living in crowded conditions. The fatality rate can reach up to 30% in humanitarian crises. Rubella, while milder in children and adults, can cause severe congenital defects if contracted during early pregnancy.
In a joint statement, officials from WHO, UNICEF, and World Vision called for the involvement of all sectors from health workers and traditional leaders to parents and caregivers in ensuring the success of the campaign.
Vaccination sites will operate daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm, including weekends, until 15 August.
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