Vientiane Capital — In a major effort to protect children's health, the Lao PDR Ministry of Health announced a nationwide measles and rubella vaccination campaign today. This critical initiative coincides with World Immunization Week 2024, highlighting the importance of vaccines in safeguarding children's lives.The campaign, which rolls out across Lao PDR from 20-31 May and supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Government of Australia, UNICEF and WHO, aims to prevent the spread of the two childhood diseases, measles and rubella, in Lao PDR. The campaign is especially timely as measles and rubella cases are on the rise globally due to low vaccination rates among children.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the immense contribution of all stakeholders to Lao PDR's immunization efforts for children, including this campaign," said H.E. Dr Snong Thongsna, Vice Minister of Health of Lao PDR, during the press conference. "The launch of this new campaign comes shortly after World Immunization Week 2024 and is expected to provide protection to more than half a million children under five years. The measles and rubella vaccine will be provided free of charge under the administration of the Ministry of Health at all health centers throughout Lao PDR."
"Vaccines are a remarkable human success story," said Nadia Lasri, Senior Country Manager and Coordinator of Gavi support in Lao PDR. "Over many decades, billions of children have been protected against life-threatening diseases. However, as the rising number of measles and rubella cases worldwide shows, some children are still missing out. Our current campaign must prioritize reaching all children, especially those who haven't received a single dose of a measles-containing vaccine. We must continue to invest in ensuring the most vulnerable and hard-to-access communities are not left behind."
"Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect our children from serious illness caused by measles and rubella and to improve their health and well-being", said Dan Heldon, Charge d'affaires, Australian Embassy. "The measles and rubella vaccine are effective and has been used for several decades worldwide. It's important that children receive this life-saving vaccine at their recommended ages."
Dr Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF Representative to Lao PDR, reaffirmed UNICEF's unwavering commitment to the health of Lao children and the expansion of their access to life-saving immunizations. "In this moment, as we confront a resurgence of diseases we once had on the run, our shared commitment to global health through collaboration and trust in science has never been more vital. Let's ensure no child is left behind, because our actions today will define the health and prosperity of future generations."
Dr Timothy Armstrong, Acting WHO Representative to Lao PDR, also praised the commitment and dedication of health workers and volunteers in driving national immunization efforts.
"Improving measles and rubella vaccination rates in Lao PDR is critical if we are to avoid the deadly measles outbreaks experienced by other countries," he said. "That is why during 20-31 May, health workers and volunteers will mobilize throughout the country, from city centers to the most remote areas, to make this safe and effective vaccine available to children nationwide. Trained vaccinators will travel long distances, including by boat, motorbike, and four-wheel drive cars. We are proud to be supporting their efforts, and to be working alongside the Ministry of Health, our sister agency UNICEF, and our partners in this major initiative."
All vaccines in Lao PDR have been approved by WHO and the Ministry of Health and are proven safe and effective in protecting children from severe illnesses and life-threatening diseases.
Notes to editors
About the MR campaign
- When: 20 to 31 May 2024
- Who: Children from 9 months to 59 months (under 5 years of age)
- Where: Health centers, districts, and province hospitals, outreach sessions, mobile vaccination teams, temporary sites such as markets, bus stations, rice fields, etc.
About Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate more than half the world's children against some of the world's deadliest diseases. The Vaccine Alliance brings together developing country and donor governments, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, the vaccine industry, technical agencies, civil society, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other private sector partners. View the full list of donor governments and other leading organisations that fund Gavi's work here.
Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has helped to immunise a whole generation - over 1 billion children - and prevented more than 17.3 million future deaths, helping to halve child mortality in 78 lower-income countries. Gavi also plays a key role in improving global health security by supporting health systems as well as funding global stockpiles for Ebola, cholera, meningococcal and yellow fever vaccines. After two decades of progress, Gavi is now focused on protecting the next generation, above all the zero-dose children who have not received even a single vaccine shot. The Vaccine Alliance employs innovative finance and the latest technology - from drones to biometrics - to save lives, prevent outbreaks before they can spread and help countries on the road to self-sufficiency. Learn more at www.gavi.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
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About WHO
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations - leading the world's response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
Visit www.who.int and follow WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in Lao PDR, visit: http://www.unicef.org/laos
