South Sudan Targets 567,065 Children for Measles Immunisation

(JUBA) – South Sudan has introduced the second dose of the Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV2) into its routine immunisation schedule, aiming to strengthen protection for children against one of the world’s most contagious and deadly diseases.

The rollout began on 12 August 2025, making South Sudan the 45th country in the African Region to implement the two dose regimen recommended by the World Health Organization in 2017.

The introduction comes amid recurring measles outbreaks across the country. According to the 2025 Measles Risk Assessment, nearly 90 percent of counties are classified as high or very high risk due to low routine immunisation coverage, weak surveillance systems, and the absence of a second measles dose.

Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, Minister of Health, highlighted the importance of the new measure:

“Adding MCV2 significantly strengthens measles immunity among our children in South Sudan. To ensure high immunisation coverage and sustained progress towards global measles elimination by 2030, routine immunisation services will be delivered through fixed-post, outreach, and mobile strategies.”

The Ministry of Health, with support from Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization and UNICEF, has undertaken measures to address longstanding gaps in immunisation. Efforts include training health workers, expanding cold chain infrastructure, improving data systems, and running social mobilisation campaigns to raise awareness.

Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in South Sudan, welcomed the initiative:

“The introduction of MCV2 represents a milestone in strengthening child health and vaccine-preventable disease control. Sustaining progress will depend on continued community outreach, health worker training and effective data recording. WHO will continue to support South Sudan throughout this journey.”

In April 2025, South Sudan carried out a nationwide measles follow up campaign for children aged six to 59 months, reaching 73 of 80 counties and achieving 85 percent coverage of the national target.

However, only 38 percent of counties reached the critical 95 percent coverage needed to interrupt measles transmission, highlighting the urgent need for the second dose.

With the new programme, South Sudan’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation will provide measles vaccination at nine months and eighteen months to boost immunity levels.

An estimated 567,065 children across 80 counties are eligible for MCV2. The rollout aims to include all populations, including hard-to-reach communities, displaced people, returnees, nomads and those affected by conflict and flooding.

UNICEF has emphasised the importance of full protection, especially for malnourished children and those displaced by conflict and natural disasters:

“With Gavi’s support, introducing the second dose of measles vaccine into the national routine schedule closes a critical gap in protecting children from one of the world’s most contagious and deadly diseases,” said Noala Skinner, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan.