In response to a growing measles outbreak, Kyrgyzstan has received a substantial shipment of rubella-measles vaccines. The Ministry of Health in Kyrgyzstan confirmed the arrival of 755,500 doses of this critical vaccine from the Measles and Rubella Initiative. This vaccination effort aims to curb the ongoing outbreak by targeting children between the ages of nine months and seven years old.
To facilitate this immunization campaign, temporary vaccination points will be set up within healthcare facilities and educational institutions across the country. This widespread initiative is being conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
To reduce the circulation of the measles virus, contain the outbreak, and prevent its further spread, the Ministry of Health, with the support of WHO and UNICEF, prepared an emergency country application to the Outbreak Response Fund established as part of the Measles and Rubella Initiative.
The immunization campaign against measles and rubella is scheduled to commence on September 18 and will continue until September 29. This effort will initially focus on the cities of Bishkek, Osh, Chui, and Osh regions.
To ensure widespread access to vaccination, over 750 temporary vaccination points will be established, including Family Medicine Centers, Family Doctor Groups, medical and obstetric centers, and educational institutions. Furthermore, medical teams will conduct on-site vaccinations for children residing in remote and hard-to-reach areas, with approximately 60 mobile teams set to participate in the campaign.
"Routine and 'catch-up' immunization against measles will be carried out in healthcare organizations in other regions to prevent the circulation of the measles virus among children aged 12 months and six years using the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine," the ministry highlighted.
In addition to the vaccination efforts, specialists from healthcare institutions, in collaboration with local government representatives and regional media, will engage with parents of children in the target age group. They will emphasize the crucial importance of vaccination against measles and rubella while addressing any concerns or questions.
Since the start of the year, Kyrgyzstan has reported a significant number of measles cases. A total of 1,982 individuals have been infected, comprising 147 adults and 1,835 children, with 1,454 of them aged between zero and four years old. The majority of cases were concentrated in the Osh region (635 people), followed by Bishkek (485) and Osh city (296). Smaller numbers of cases were registered in Chui (214 people), Jalal-Abad (116), Batken (92), Talas (77), Issyk-Kul (60), and Naryn (7) regions.
Measles is a perilous and highly contagious viral disease with no known cure, and its complications can be fatal. Both children and adults who have not been vaccinated are at risk. It is crucial to recognize that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against this disease.
As Kyrgyzstan intensifies its vaccination campaign against measles and rubella, it is hoped that the distribution of additional vaccines will help contain and eventually eradicate this outbreak, protecting the health and well-being of the nation's children.
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