Cambodia launches national measles-rubella vaccination campaign to protect over 1.5 million children

Phnom Penh, 31 October 2024 - Today, the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia launched a nationwide measles-rubella supplementary immunization activities (MR SIA) to protect over 1.5 million children aged 9 to 59 months (i.e. aged under five years) across 25 provinces. This MR SIA, led by the Ministry of Health, receives financial support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).

In response to a global measles outbreak, particularly among populations with low immunization coverage, this MR SIA addresses the urgent need for protection against these highly contagious diseases. Globally, measles cases have more than doubled in recent years, with reported cases rising from 170,000 in 2022 to over 320,000 in 2023, which is largely due to disruptions in routine immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cambodia, along with its neighboring countries, faces a heightened risk of outbreaks, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, migrants, mobile populations and communities in border areas. This national MR SIA is a critical measure to strengthen health security, protect against potential outbreaks, and support Cambodia's goal of becoming measles-free.

H.E. Prof CHHEANG Ra, Minister of Health encourages all health staff and partners to work together to ensure full coverage of the target population and protect all children in the country from the two diseases: "Health personnel have done a good job during previous immunization campaigns, and I am sure that during this MR SIA too, health staff will do everything they can to reach all children, especially those living in high-risk and hard to reach areas, such as children living in urban poor households; those living in remote rural communities, children of ethnic minorities, and migrant children."

According to the WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), Cambodia's 2023 national coverage for the first and second doses of the MR vaccine was 79% and 64%, respectively - figures that remain below the levels needed to prevent outbreaks and avert deaths.

Dr Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia, said, "Measles and rubella are serious but entirely preventable threats that Cambodia's children should never have to face. This nationwide MR SIA is a vital step towards health equity, ensuring that no one is left behind in our mission to promote, protect and provide health for all. Together with the Ministry of Health and partners, WHO is committed to closing immunity gaps to strengthen health security, protect everyone in our communities from outbreaks and make Cambodia measles-free for every family."

Ms Nadia Lasri, Senior Country Manager and Coordinator of Gavi support in Cambodia, said: "Gavi's support for this nationwide MR SIA builds on our ongoing efforts to strengthen Cambodia's routine immunization programme. Measles and rubella remain significant threats to children's health globally. We must double down on our efforts to reach every child, especially those unvaccinated in hard-to-reach areas and urban areas, and ensure no community is left behind, which is a crucial step towards a healthier future for the children in Cambodia."

Dr Will Parks, UNICEF Representative to Cambodia, said, "Immunization has always been at the forefront of our efforts to protect the most marginalized children. Through this experience, we've learned that effective communication with communities and local authorities is key to making sure that parents and caregivers bring children to the nearest vaccination post. By supporting this vaccination campaign, we hope that we will contribute further to the strengthening of the health system in Cambodia to promote sustainable provision of quality vaccination services to all children."

Ms Soleine Scotney, Country Director, CHAI Cambodia, mentioned, "Measles-rubella is one of the world's most powerful vaccines. We strongly commend Cambodia's dual efforts to both organize a powerful MR campaign, but also further strengthen the routine MR vaccination touchpoints at 9 and 18 months, which together will allow each Cambodian child to receive this powerful gift."

This campaign uses the WHO-prequalified combined MR vaccine and auto-disable syringes. This MR vaccine, which has protected children worldwide for over 50 years, is safe, effective and available free of charge at all health centres. All children aged 9 to 59 months (i.e. aged under five years), including those who have previously received a measles or MR vaccine, are encouraged to receive a dose to boost community immunity, as part of Cambodia's efforts to strengthen health security, prevent outbreaks and work toward a measles-free future.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Meg Sharafudeen, Gavi
+41 79 711 55 54
[email protected]

Eunice Kilonzo-Muraya, Gavi
+41 76 424 85 03
[email protected]

Corina Milic, CHAI
Director of Global Communications
+1 416 371 6313
[email protected]

Mr Ork Vichit, Ministry of Health
National Immunization Program
+855 (0)12830548
[email protected]

Lisa Smyth, WHO
Technical Officer, Coordination and Communication for Health
+855 12 919 180
[email protected]

Hadrien Bonnaud, UNICEF
Chief of Communication
+855 92 555 294
[email protected]

Ty Chan, UNICEF
Communication officer
+855 92 284 262
[email protected]

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