National Measles Campaign commences - 1.5 million children to be immunizedYangon, 14 November 2004 – The National Measles Campaign was launched today in Mandalay Division and Shan, Kayah and Kachin states. Approximately 1.5 million children between 9 months and five years of age will be immunized against measles over the next week thanks to the joint efforts of the Department of Health, UNICEF, JICA and WHO. Measles kills more children throughout the world than any other vaccine-preventable disease. Children who survive measles can still be affected by a range of permanent disabilities. “The good news is that measles can be easily prevented with immunization,” said UNICEF Representative in Myanmar Carroll Long. “Still, while measles is on the decline in Southeast Asia, we need to intensify our efforts in Myanmar to reach measles reduction goals for 2005,” she added. “This campaign is an important step in that direction.” UNICEF is providing vaccines, injection equipment and operational costs for the 2004 campaign thanks to funding provided by CIDA, the Government of the Netherlands, Japan Grant Aid and the Japan Vaccine Committee for the World’s Children. This week’s activities are being carried out in 110 different townships, and outlying areas surrounding these townships, where medical officers are managing local immunization campaign activities with the support of local NGOs and community members. In all target areas, five-person immunization teams comprised of one health professional and four volunteers are responsible for immunizing 70-150 children a day, registering the children who have been immunized, and providing their families with basic health education. In order to ensure the success of such a large-scale campaign, detailed maps, travel routes, immunization sessions, and logistical requirements have been planned in advance for each immunization team. “It’s a truly monumental effort, and the success of the campaign is a testament to the dedicated work of these immunization teams, local communities, DOH and others all working together for the best interests of children,” said UNICEF Representative Carroll Long. National Measles Campaigns in Myanmar were introduced in 2002 as one means of buttressing routine immunization coverage. Through these campaigns more than 88% of all children in target areas have been immunized against the measles virus. This week’s campaign in Myanmar is part of UNICEF and WHO’s Global Strategic Plan for Measles Mortality Reduction, which seeks to reduce measles mortality rates to one half of 1999 levels. In Myanmar, this is being done through routine immunization coverage, second opportunities for measles immunization for all children, strengthened surveillance, and improved case management. National Measles Campaigns are one of the “second opportunity” activities that compliment routine immunization efforts. ********************** Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), all children have the right to health care services. Myanmar ratified the CRC in 1991.
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