Nationwide Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign Kicks Off in The Gambia

Strategic Insights -

The Gambia will embark on a nationwide Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign starting from 23rd to 28th October 2028, in collaboration with partners. The campaign aims to reach children who missed their routine immunization doses or those who were vaccinated but did not develop sufficient immunity, thereby preventing the risk of a measles rubella outbreak. The campaign will also provide vitamin A supplements and deworming tablets to eligible children. The Gambia's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and partners are working together to strengthen child health and prevent outbreaks of measles and rubella.

Key Takeaways:

  • The nationwide campaign targets all children aged 9 to 59 months for the Measles-Rubella Vaccination, with a focus on those who missed their routine immunization doses or did not develop sufficient immunity.
  • Vitamin A supplements and deworming tablets will also be administered to eligible children, including those aged 6 to 59 months and 12 to 59 months, respectively.
  • The campaign aims to prevent the risk of a measles rubella outbreak, considering the highly contagious and preventable nature of the diseases.
  • According to Dr. Saharu Kanteh, the campaign forms part of the national efforts to strengthen child health and prevent outbreaks of measles and rubella.
  • Globally, measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths among children, with over 9 million cases and 136,000 deaths reported in 2023 alone.
  • The Gambia experienced two episodes of measles outbreak in 2025, with nine confirmed positive cases and no deaths reported.
  • The national assessment indicates that if urgent action is not taken, these sporadic cases could escalate into a nationwide outbreak with dire consequences.
  • The campaign will be implemented in collaboration with partners, including the WHO, and will ensure coordination, technical support, and financial support to ensure a safe vaccination process.
  • Immunization is considered crucial for preventing the spread of measles, which kills and can cause lifelong disabilities.
  • The campaign aims to protect children from the life-threatening disease and make them useful citizens rather than liabilities.

Statistics:

  • 9,000,000 cases of measles reported worldwide in 2023
  • 136,000 deaths reported worldwide in 2023
  • 9 confirmed positive cases of measles reported in The Gambia in 2025
  • 3 outbreak episodes of measles reported in The Gambia between 2023 and 2025
  • 23rd to 28th October 2028 marked as the period for the nationwide campaign

Sources:

  • The Point. (2025, October). Stakeholders unite to mainstream disability rights into national budgeting. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
  • Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners. (2028, October). Nationwide Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign.