Cameroon has successfully vaccinated 5.7 million children against measles and rubella in a nationwide campaign that took place from October 15 to 25, 2026. The campaign, which was organized by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), exceeded its target of 6 million children, achieving a remarkable 95% immunization rate. According to Dr. Shalom Tchokfe, Secretary General of the EPI, the campaign focused on children aged 9 months to 5 years, who are most susceptible to the diseases.
The vaccination campaign was launched to combat the high number of measles cases reported in Cameroon over the past two years, with 9,000 cases recorded, 80% of which affected children aged 9 months to 5 years. Dr. Tchokfe explained that vaccinating this age group massively would help cut the transmission of the virus. Additionally, the campaign aimed to address the often-silent threat of rubella, which can cause severe complications in pregnant women and lead to congenital rubella syndrome.
To achieve the ambitious target, the EPI employed an innovative micro-planning strategy, which involved mapping out areas to be covered using satellite imaging and geographic information systems (GIS). This approach enabled the identification of 31,000 localities and the visitation of 8.3 million households. A total of 11,000 teams of vaccinators, comprising approximately 45,000 community agents and supervisors, were deployed to carry out the vaccination exercise.
The vaccination strategy involved setting up fixed posts in strategic locations such as chiefdoms, markets, and schools, as well as conducting door-to-door vaccination in urban areas. The vaccine used was injectable, and the campaign was supported by a massive mobilization of resources and personnel. According to the EPI, the campaign's success was a result of careful planning and execution.
The nationwide campaign was extended by a week, from October 19 to 25, 2026, to allow for a mop-up exercise and ensure that all targeted children were vaccinated. The exercise was part of a broader effort to control and eliminate measles and rubella in Cameroon. The government has emphasized the importance of routine vaccination in preventing the spread of these diseases.
Measles and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can cause severe complications, particularly in young children and pregnant women. Rubella, in particular, can cause congenital rubella syndrome, which can lead to serious birth defects or stillbirth. The vaccination campaign was designed to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of these diseases.
The successful vaccination campaign in Cameroon demonstrates the country's commitment to protecting the health of its children and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The EPI has announced plans to continue its vaccination efforts and strengthen its surveillance systems to detect and respond to outbreaks quickly.
Key points
- 5.7 million children vaccinated against measles and rubella in Cameroon
- The campaign achieved a 95% immunization rate, exceeding its target of 6 million children
- The vaccination effort was supported by 11,000 teams of vaccinators and 45,000 community agents and supervisors
