Protecting the future.  Reaching the unreached with measles and rubella vaccination

In Malaysia, Sabah stands at the intersection of geographical location, migration patterns and socioeconomic vulnerability which creates health gaps, particularly for children from immigrant and undocumented communities. Preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and rubella among these populations is not just a State priority it is essential for national and regional public health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore worked closely with the State health department, local partners and other stakeholders to facilitate a large-scale measles and rubella vaccination campaign for immigrant children in Sabah. 

^{WHO and partners working together to protect children’s health.  Credit:  WHO/V. Chaudhary}

Bringing vaccines to the children

In Sabah, Alternate Learning Centres (ALCs) play a critical role in providing basic education to children from migrant and undocumented families who cannot enroll in formal schools. Recognizing these centres as trusted community hubs, WHO supported targeted on-site vaccination camps to minimize barriers related to access, cost and documentation status.

Thanks to this approach, the campaign successfully reached over 6,000 children from migrant and undocumented families, many receiving their very first vaccination. By meeting children where they are, the initiative ensured that those with limited or no access to routine immunization services were protected.

Despite significant operational challenges, including the northeast monsoon, difficult terrain and the State elections, the campaign moved forward through close coordination with local stakeholders. The National Cancer Society of Malaysia provided crucial on ground support which was instrumental in logistical assistance, community engagement and on-the-ground mobilization to ensure families were informed and confident about vaccinating their children.

^{Vaccination teams navigating remote areas to close immunity gaps.}

Several health teams traveled long distances, often navigating flooded roads and unpredictable weather, to ensure that no child was left behind. The result was not only high vaccination uptake, but also strengthened trust between health authorities and marginalized communities.

Impact beyond the numbers

Vaccinating over 6000 children against measles and rubella delivers immediate protection, but the broader impact extends well beyond this number. Measles remains one of the most contagious infectious diseases and outbreaks can quickly cross borders, particularly in regions with high population mobility such as Borneo and the wider subregion.

^{Alternate Learning Centres served as safe and familiar hubs for vaccination.} 

From a national health perspective, closing immunity gaps among immigrant populations is essential to sustaining Malaysia’s progress toward measles elimination and rubella control. From a regional standpoint, it contributes to collective health security by reducing the risk of cross-border transmission and outbreaks that can strain health systems.

The campaign also demonstrated the value of adaptive, community-based service delivery, an approach that is increasingly relevant as countries work to recover and strengthen essential health services following the COVID-19 pandemic.

^{Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore interacting with children at the vaccination sites.} 

Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore said “This vaccination initiative underscores how inclusive health strategies anchored in partnerships and community trust can deliver tangible results even in complex settings. By aligning global technical guidance from WHO with national priorities and local implementation capacity, Malaysia has always demonstrated leadership in protecting public health for all who live within its borders.”

For many of the children, this was their first vaccination. Bringing the services closer to their homes meant that lives and futures were protected. It also reassured parents that vaccination is safe and important.

The weather and timing were challenging, but the enthusiastic response from the community made every effort worthwhile. Parents were eager, and the collaboration between all the partners allowed the high impact on ground to reach children who are often invisible in the system.

^{A child receives a measles and rubella vaccination in Sabah.}

A father who was accompanying his children shared “I was always worried about my children’s health, but it is not easy for us to go to clinics. When the vaccination team came to the learning centre, it gave me peace of mind. I could vaccinate my child without any financial struggle and trust the process fully.” 

As population mobility and health inequities remain defining challenges for the region, experiences from Sabah offer valuable lessons. Reaching the unreached is both possible and essential for achieving universal health coverage and safeguarding regional health security.