Launch of the Integrated Vaccination Campaign against Measles-Rubella, Vitamin A Supplementation and Deworming with Albendazole for children between 6 months and 14 years of age in all regions of Guinea-Bissau

Bissau, December 5, 2024 - The Ministry of Public Health of Guinea-Bissau is pleased to announce the launch of the National Integrated Vaccination Campaign against Measles and Rubella, which will also include supplementation with Vitamin A and deworming with Albendazole. This campaign will take place between December 6 and 15, 2024, and all 11 health areas of Guinea-Bissau. The launch ceremony will take place next Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10:00 am, at Campo de Hafia, in Bissau.

The last vaccination campaign against measles was carried out in 2019. This new campaign aims to contribute to the elimination of measles and rubella, strengthening the immunity of children from 9 months to 14 years of age. In addition, the campaign also seeks to combat nutritional deficiencies and intestinal parasitosis in children under 59 months.

Campaign Objectives:

• Vaccinate 896,745 children aged 9 months to 14 years against Measles-Rubella.

• Supplement with Vitamin A 335,473 children aged 6 to 59 months.

• Deworm with Albendazole 286,012 children aged 12 to 59 months.

Importance of Vaccination: Measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases that can lead to serious and fatal complications. Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent these diseases. The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective and free, protecting children for life.

Campaign Strategies: The campaign will be carried out through several strategies to reach all health regions:

• Fixed posts in sanitary structures.

• Advanced teams in distant areas.

• Mobile teams in hard-to-reach areas.

• Temporary posts in markets, schools, and other public places.

The Ministry of Health is grateful for the technical and financial support of its partners, namely the Global Alliance for Vaccination – GAVI, World Health Organization – WHO, Plan International and UNICEF.

This campaign is a crucial initiative to protect the health of our children and the general population, preventing serious diseases and promoting the well-being of all of us. We count on the active participation of all parents and caregivers of children to ensure the success of this campaign.

Our heroes are the frontline workers. Without them, the national measles and rubella vaccination campaign would not achieve its goals. 

Our teams are on the ground, consisting of 1,200 vaccinators and 4,000 community health workers.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work!