The government of Lakes State in collaboration with Ministry of Health has launched a measles vaccination campaign targeting nearly 300,000 Children.
According to the statement, the campaign is aimed at immunising 297,867 children aged 6 months to 5 years.
This initiative came as respond after the State reported 72 measles cases across Rumbek Central, Wulu, Rumbek East, and Cueibet Counties this year.
Dr. Maker Malok Chieny, Director General of the State Ministry of Health, likened the outbreak to a public health emergency.
“This issue of measles is a public health concern. In the first four months of 2025, we have seen most cases recorded in different counties,” he said.
“We are targeting 297,867 children, and we have over 350,000 vaccines, which is sufficient to cover the entire target population,” he revealed.
Malok detailed the case distribution saying they have registered 32 cases in Rumbek East, 27 in Rumbek Central, 12 in Cueibet, and 1 in Wulu County, where a sample was collected and are awaiting results.
The director emphasised the campaign’s focus on young children, stating that it targets children from 6 months to 5 years.
Despite available vaccines, Malok said the state was still he recording cases in children, with severe complications like pneumonia, blindness, and other risk factors.
On separate note the South Sudan’s national immunization program has introduced additional Rota and Pneumoniavaccines this year to protect children from measles, pneumonia and diarrhea.
