Egypt launches national measles and rubella vaccination campaign

Egypt has launched a three-week national free vaccination campaign targeting measles and rubella. The initiative, inaugurated by Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar and Qalyubia Governor Hossam Abdel Fattah, aims to protect approximately 21 million children aged 9 months to 10 years, including both Egyptian and non-Egyptian residents.

The campaign seeks to bolster community immunity and prevent the re-emergence of these diseases, following Egypt receiving certification from the World Health Organization for being free of measles and rubella. To execute this, more than 75,000 medical personnel and support staff will operate through 14,200 vaccination teams.

Logistical preparations include the mobilization of 5,000 health units and offices, 25,000 schools, and 48,000 nurseries. Vaccination teams will also cover places of worship, clubs, markets, and remote areas to ensure comprehensive coverage. In Qalyubia alone, 854 teams have been deployed to reach an estimated 1.2 million children.