Additional immunization days against measles and rubella

From 26 October to 6 November 2026, additional immunization days against measles and rubella will take place across Tajikistan for children aged 6 months to 5 years. 

The campaign is being conducted under an order of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan. It aims to protect young children from measles and rubella, infectious diseases that can cause serious complications.
Measles spreads rapidly through the air and can lead to severe health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Rubella also poses particular risks during pregnancy, as infection can seriously harm the developing baby.

The campaign targets approximately 836,000 children aged 6 months to 5 years across 53 cities and districts, with the objective of closing population immunity gaps, reaching susceptible children and reducing the risk of further measles and rubella transmission.

To support campaign implementation, UNICEF has procured and supplied 863,500 doses of MR vaccine, comprising 820,000 doses financed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and 43,500 doses financed through Government co-financing.

The campaign is being conducted in response to continued measles transmission in Tajikistan. According to the WHO Regional Office for Europe Measles/Rubella Dashboard, 570 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported between January and August 2026, with a reported incidence of 51.92 cases per million population. Children under five accounted for 80% (456 cases) of all confirmed cases, including 50.2% (286 cases) among infants under one year. Of the confirmed cases, 143 (25.1%) were reported as hospitalized, with no measles-related deaths reported. The dashboard also recorded 3,215 discarded suspected cases, which were not included in the confirmed case total.

The latest WHO/UNICEF Estimates (revision) of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC 2025) indicate 80% coverage for the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) and 79% for the second dose (MCV2). These estimates, together with the concentration of reported cases among young children, underscore the importance of closing immunity gaps through supplementary vaccination and strengthening routine immunization services.

Immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect children, prevent the spread of these diseases and strengthen public health.