The Ministry of Public Health in Madagascar has announced a mass vaccination campaign to be held from October 5-9, aiming to immunize children against measles and polio. The campaign, which will also distribute vitamin A, targets children from birth to 59 months, particularly those who have not received vaccinations before. The effort seeks to enhance healthcare services and ensure children have access to vaccinations at nearby locations.
According to the Ministry, 81 districts across Madagascar have reported measles cases this year. In response, the government is intensifying preventive health measures to control and eliminate the outbreak. The mass vaccination campaign is part of a broader strategy to strengthen routine immunization efforts. Additionally, a previous vaccination campaign conducted from August 11-14 targeted five affected areas, focusing on type 1 poliovirus.
The poliovirus type 1, one of the strains causing polio, has been confirmed in six cases in Madagascar since the beginning of 2026. To mitigate the spread, the government conducted a targeted vaccination campaign in August, covering 1,222,196 children and achieving a 104% coverage rate. The effort resulted in a significant increase in the number of children vaccinated with VP0.
The Ministry of Public Health aims to improve vaccination rates, particularly for the VP1 vaccine, which had a 82% coverage rate in June 2026, falling short of the 90% target. The upcoming mass vaccination campaign will focus on districts with low vaccination coverage and high numbers of reported cases. By enhancing immunization efforts, the government hopes to reduce the incidence of measles and polio.
The mass vaccination campaign will take place at health centers and designated locations nationwide. Vitamin A will be distributed to children between six months and 59 months who have not received the supplement since July. This effort aims to boost the immunity of children and prevent related health issues.
The Ministry of Public Health has urged parents and guardians to support the vaccination campaign and ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations. By working together, the government and the public can help control and eliminate measles and polio in Madagascar.
The campaign is part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen healthcare services and improve vaccination coverage in Madagascar. The government remains committed to enhancing preventive health measures and responding to outbreaks effectively.
Key points
- The mass vaccination campaign will target children from birth to 59 months, focusing on those who have not received vaccinations before.
- Madagascar has reported 81 districts with measles cases this year and six cases of poliovirus type 1 since January 2026.
- The campaign will distribute vitamin A to children between six months and 59 months who have not received the supplement since July.
