Over 2007 and 2008, measles follow-up campaigns were implemented vaccinating 4 266 123 (97%) children under the age of five. However, from 2010, due to population growth, the country experienced significant measles outbreaks. Measles then spread all over the country causing major outbreaks in Kassala state in 2012, and this transmission has continued to this date.
Measles is one of the five leading causes of death among children under five. It is a highly contagious disease that can cause severe complications, such as pneumonia, diarrhea and encephalitis, and death. It can easily spread through coughing and sneezing.
The FMoH, through its expanded programme on immunization (EPI) and with support from health development partners, has worked very hard to achieve high levels of routine immunization coverage for vaccine preventable diseases since the beginning of the programme.
To ensure the survival, growth and development of every child in Sudan, every child must be reached with life-saving vaccines, including vaccination against measles.
“Unfortunately, more than half a million children will not be reached due to the on-going conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, leaving a huge number of susceptible cases and increasing the risk of measles outbreaks in these areas”, said Dorothy Ochola-Odongo, Chief of Health, UNICEF Sudan.
For this particular campaign, UNICEF mobilised most of the financial resources, US$ 10.6 million which represents about 80% of the total cost required for the campaign. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also provided financial as well as technical support to the campaign.
“Measles is preventable and we need to sustain our efforts in combating the disease and continue routine immunization by providing two doses of vaccine to at least 95% of the target population and provide treatment for the disease. Measles surveillance has to be fully operational with prompt laboratory investigations of suspected cases”, said Dr Ahmed Hardan, Technical Officer for EPI, WHO Sudan.
The measles campaign is a stepping stone toward making Sudan free of this disease, a contribution to the regional goal of elimination of this disease by 2015.
