November 09, Colombo (LNW): Amid rising measles cases, the Sri Lankan Health Ministry has rolled out a measles-rubella vaccination campaign in 12 high-risk districts, running from November 8 for four weeks. Targeted primarily at individuals aged 20-30, the campaign also aims to immunize those who missed previous vaccinations.
The initiative follows a public awareness drive held from November 4 to 9, aimed at educating the community about the importance of vaccination to prevent measles transmission. Health officials stress that measles, a highly contagious airborne disease, can spread rapidly, with a single infected person potentially transmitting it to 10-18 others.
Despite earlier success in eradicating measles, cases have re-emerged in Sri Lanka since 2023, largely due to regional outbreaks in other Asian countries. Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana from the Epidemiology Unit noted that priority will be given to individuals who missed their full dose or received only one shot of the vaccine.
The Ministry urges the public to check vaccination schedules with local Medical Officers of Health (MOH) and participate in this critical preventive measure to help contain the resurgence of measles and protect public health.
