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

The Ministry of Health of Cambodia launched a nationwide measles-rubella supplementary immunization activities (MR SIA) to protect over 1.5 million children aged 9 to 59 months (aged<5 years old), across 25 provinces.

A child receives an injection during the launch of the nationwide measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign on October 31. Photo supplied

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is funding the Ministry of Health-led campaign with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) providing technical support.

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. This is largely due to disruptions in routine immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The MR SIA aims to address the urgent need for protection against the diseases, particularly among populations with low immunization coverage.

Cambodia and its neighboring countries face a heightened risk of outbreaks, especially among its vulnerable populations such as children, migrants, mobile populations, and communities in border areas. This national MR SIA will 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 populations and protect all children in the country from the two diseases. His Excellency Professor Minister of Health stated :

“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 urban poor households and remote rural communities, as well as 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 were 79 percent and 64 percent, 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 and 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 program. 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 has been used to protect children worldwide for over 50 years—it is safe, effective, and available free of charge at all health centers. All children aged 9 to 59 months (aged <5 years old), 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.

The campaign will be divided into two phases: The first phase will cover 13 provinces (Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom, Kandal, Kratie, Oddar Meanchey, Phnom Penh, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Tbong Khmum), will start from 1 to 13 November 2024. The second phase will cover 12 provinces (Kampong Chhnang, Kampot, Koh Kong, Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rattanakiri, Preah Sihanouk, Stung Treng, Svay Rieng, Takeo, and Kep), will start from 25 November to 6 December 2024.