A Promise to One, A Promise to All
The nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign 2024 in Lao PDR, in action.

The morning sky was pouring in Nongno village as its inhabitants slowly awake from their slumber. It was raining heavily in this small village in Saravanh province, Lao PDR, and it would seem no one was willing to go out of their houses under such a weather. However, figures soon started emerging from their homes, umbrella in hand and children in tow.
All of them headed in the same direction towards the village temple where local health workers have set up a makeshift vaccination spot.
This is the fourth day of Lao PDR’s nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign and the people bringing their children to the temple are fulfilling an important duty to their children and the village.
Fulfilling a Duty to One
One of the people who showed up to the temple that morning was 62 year-old Manivone and her two-year old grandson Phoutasack. Phoutasack’s parents are divorced and his dad, Manivone’s son, is currently working in Thailand to help support the family. As such, Phoutasack is being cared for by his grandparents.
And today, Manivone is making sure Phoutasack receives his measles-rubella vaccination.
When Manivone and Phoutasack arrived at the temple, the nurses swiftly registered their information and led them to a wooden bench where they waited. The nurse then picks out a vial from an insulated box and extracts the liquid inside with a syringe. As Manivone held Phoutasack in her lap, the nurse delivers the injection in Phoutasack’s left arm. Despite the initial sting of the needle and some tears, Phoutasack was brave and it was all over. To finish up, a nurse marks Phoutasack’s pinky finger, a mark that shows he is vaccinated the next time a health worker visits.


When asked about her hopes for her grandson, Manivone simply said that she wants her grandson to find success in his life.
I want my grandson to grow up strong and healthy. I want him to get a good education and achieve success in his life.
But with the currently rising number of measles globally and in the region, many children in Lao PDR are facing a threat that could strip away their futures – indeed, measles is a highly contagious disease that could leave a lasting impact on children, causing blindness and even death. As such, by getting Phoutasack vaccinated, Manivone is helping build a healthy foundation upon which her grandchild can achieve that very success she wants for him later in his life.
Fulfilling a Duty to All
Next to where the nurses vaccinated Phoutasack stands an older man . And he looks on at Phoutasack as he gets vaccinated with tender affection. This is 61 year-old Thongkham, Manivone’s husband and Phoutasack’s grandfather.
Speaking into a microphone. Thongkham is making an announcement through the temple loudspeakers, telling parents and caregivers to bring their children for the measles-rubella vaccination. As a village health volunteer for many years, Thongkham acts as a key link between the village and the district health office – helping building trust in the power of vaccines and mobilising communities for occasions such as this vaccination campaign.


Volunteering for Thongkham is not a decision made out of expectations for some material recompense but instead, it was made mainly out of genuine love for his wife, grandson and his village – his home.
I work as a village health volunteer because I feel it is my duty to the community. This is what I love to do.
The efforts of dedicated caregivers like Manivone and health volunteers like Thongkham are helping ensure Lao PDR is protected from the surge in measles cases globally and regionally, and is contributing to Lao PDR’s nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign 2024.
The campaign is spearheaded by the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR and supported by Gavi, the Australia Government, UNICEF, and WHO. The campaign will run from 20-31 May 2024 and over 630,000 children aged 9-59 months or under five years of age in Lao PDR will be provided with the measles-rubella vaccine during this campaign.