Juba – South Sudan is taking a fundamental step forward in maintaining its younger folks from Measles with the nationwide introduction of the second dose of the Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV2) into the routine immunisation time desk. The two-dose regimen is section of the 2017 ideas by the World Effectively being Organisation to all international locations. As of 12 August 2025, South Sudan will doubtless be the Forty fifth nation in the African Divulge to introduce MCV2.
This milestone comes at a fundamental time, as the nation continues to face recurrent Measles outbreaks. In accordance to the 2025 Measles Probability Review, on the field of 90% of counties in the nation are categorized as either excessive or very excessive risk for Measles outbreaks. That is because of this of of a mix of components, including low routine immunisation coverage, outdated school surveillance methods, and the absence of a second dose of the Measles vaccine in the nationwide routine immunisation time desk.
The leadership of the Ministry of Effectively being has expressed the nation’s willpower to be part of the leisure of the World in placing off Measles: “Including MCV2 greatly strengthens Measles immunity amongst our younger folks in South Sudan. To be sure excessive immunization coverage and sustained efforts in opposition to the world purpose of Measles elimination by 2030, routine immunization companies and products will doubtless be delivered by mounted-submit, outreach, and mobile suggestions.” Acknowledged Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, Minister of Effectively being.
The Ministry of Effectively being with the toughen of GAVI-the vaccine Alliance, WHO and UNICEF are collectively riding efforts to style out longstanding immunization gaps in the nation. These efforts consist of practicing health workers, expanding wintry chain infrastructure, bettering knowledge methods, and conducting centered social mobilization campaigns.
The World Effectively being Group nation Office in South Sudan commends the nation’s consistent efforts to strengthen its immunization programme: “The introduction of MCV2 into South Sudan’s routine immunization represents a milestone in strengthening little one health and vaccine-preventable disease preserve a watch on. Sustaining development relies on continued community outreach, medical examiner practicing, and effective knowledge recording. WHO will stand by South Sudan ultimately of this hurry.” Acknowledged Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO South Sudan Representative.
In April 2025, South Sudan performed a nationwide measles prepare-up advertising and marketing and marketing campaign focusing on younger folks frail 6 to 59 months. The advertising and marketing and marketing campaign reached 73 out of 80 counties and completed 85% coverage of the nationwide goal inhabitants. Nonetheless, biggest 38% of counties reached the serious 95% coverage threshold required to interrupt Measles transmission. These results highlight the persistent immunity gaps and the pressing need for a second dose of the Measles vaccine to be sure plump protection.
With this introduction, South Sudan’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) will doubtless be in a build to vaccinate younger folks against Measles at 9 (9) and eighteen (18) months to enhance their immunity phases. An estimated goal inhabitants of 567,065 younger folks will doubtless be eligible for the 2nd dose of MCV in 80 counties across the nation. To handle possible dropout charges between MCV1 and MCV2, the rollout will be sure no one is left at the abet of, including laborious-to-attain populations, displaced communities, returnees, nomadic teams, and areas tormented by battle and flooding.
UNICEF calls for plump protection against Measles especially amongst malnourished younger folks and these displaced by battle and floods as one dose of the MCV2 does now not give plump protection. “With the toughen bought from Gavi, the introduction of the second dose of the measles vaccine into the nationwide routine immunisation time desk, we’re closing a fundamental hole in maintaining younger folks from one of the world’s most contagious and deadly ailments,” acknowledged Noala Skinner, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan.
Measles remains one of the most contagious and deadly vaccine-preventable ailments, in particular affecting younger folks below 5. The birth of MCV2 is a landmark success for South Sudan. It shows a solid commitment to maintaining younger folks, strengthening the health diagram, and stopping future outbreaks. The media and public are inspired to toughen this initiative by raising awareness, promoting vaccine acceptance, and making sure that every eligible little one receives both doses of the measles vaccine.
For further knowledge, contact:
Ministry of Effectively being, Effectively being Education and Promotion:
– Mary Denis Obat, mobat43 [at] gmail.com (mobat43[at]gmail[dot]com) / +211924887006
WHO South Sudan, Verbal substitute Personnel:
– Alice Rutaremara, rutaremaraa [at] who.int (rutaremaraa[at]who[dot]int) / +211921887748
– Atem John Ajang, atema [at] who.int (atema[at]who[dot]int) / +211921736375
UNICEF South Sudan Communications Officer,
– Richard Ruati, Verbal substitute Specialist, UNICEF South Sudan, rruati [at] unicef.org (rruati[at]unicef[dot]org), Tel: +211 921 359 578
