Bolivia and Chile launch border vaccination campaign against measles

Bolivia and Chile have launched the 2026 Andean Border Vaccination Week to combat measles outbreaks and other preventable diseases. The campaign, running from September 17 to 29, focuses on increasing immunization coverage in high-traffic border zones, including commercial corridors and transit points used by migrants and travelers.

Driven by the Andean Health Organization-Hipólito Unanue Agreement (ORAS-CONHU), the initiative involves several countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. The effort aims to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and prevent the spread of highly contagious viral infections through coordinated binational health brigades.

Target groups for the vaccination drive include children under five and up to ten years old, pregnant women, older adults, indigenous communities, and migrant populations. Key locations in Bolivia include Sabaya, Turco, Puerto Acosta, Desaguadero, Copacabana, Bolpebra, and Filadelfia.