YANGON- Measle breakouts had occurred in Kayin and Shan States as well s Yangon Region, prompting the government to launch an immunization program at townships lacking health coverage, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports.
The Ministry has monitored the outbreak of disease and undertaken efforts to reinforce its health staffs at disease outbreak areas. Moreover, it will be conducting educative programs regarding measles and vaccination programs.
With the aim to support healthcare services, the health ministry also will distribute Mobile Tablets to the health officers and staffs from the Public Health and Medical Service Department and announce the statement through the Health Ministry’s Website.
Myanmar had launched public and school based measles and rubella vaccination program in 2015 aiming to reach the children aged five to 15 years.
In Myanmar, measles outbreak occurred in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, aged 18 to 20 years suffered the measles and some people living in border areas and lack of health coverage died due to the disease, according to the Public Health Department.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and can sometimes lead to serious complications.
Myanmar has committed to eliminate measles disease and to control congenital rubella syndrome by the year 2020. As a result, the measles and rubella vaccines will become part of Myanmar’s routine immunization strategy from May 2015 onwards, which before only included measles vaccines.
The measles and rubella immunization campaign is part of Myanmar’s commitment to the Measles & Rubella Initiative, a global partnership to ensure that children are protected against measles and are not born with disabilities resulting from congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). The Initiative is led by UNICEF, WHO, United Nations Foundation, American Red Cross, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Myanmar, the children lost their rights of immunizations to feed and to vaccinate against the measles, rubella and chickenpox and some children are lacking the immunization program in far-flung areas.
