VIENTIANE, 1 December 2014 - In what is seen as one of the largest nationwide Measles and Rubella Immunization campaign in the history of Lao People’s Democratic Republic; WHO together with UNICEF and Measles Rubella Initiative supported the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in particularly the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Sports; to mobilize support from other international agencies including Lux Development, USCDC, KOICA, KOFIH, JICA, World Bank, Care International, Plan, Save the Children and Medicins Du Monde to vaccinate 1.6 million children aged nine months to below ten years between the periods of 17-30 November.
The campaign received high-level Government support, the National Launch in Vientiane was led by the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mr Choummaly Sayasone, together with the Minister of Health Dr Eksavang Vongvichit, Vice-Minister of Health Dr Inlavanh Keobounphan, the Governor and Mayor of Vientiane Capital, Ambassadors, and many other distinguished guests.
From the National Launch to a remote village in Nyot Ou District near the border with China which has been classified as a high-risk district following the last measles outbreak here in 2012. Given the remoteness of the village and the difficulty in access, it is not hard to understand why some of these districts are classified as high-risk district.
Immunization is a cost-effective way of reducing child morbidity and mortality. 330 children still die of Measles every day globally accounting for 14 children dying every hour.
Beside the nationwide campaign, it is equally important for a country to have a comprehensive plan to improve routine immunization and a communication strategy to reach all communities especially the high risk ethnic communities in order to ensure equity in service delivery thereby saving the children from the scourge of these dreadful killer diseases. It is also pivotal that Lao PDR maintains high population immunity, strong disease surveillance system in order to minimize the risk and consequences of any re-infection in future.
The elimination of measles is part of the country’s commitment to MDG to reduce child mortality and this campaign will move us one step closer to the goal to achieve measles elimination and accelerate rubella disease control for the children of Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Read photo story of nationwide measles and rubella campaign