More than five million children in Malawi are being lined up for measles vaccination as gaps in routine immunisation leave some children without adequate protection.
The campaign will target children aged nine months to nine years.It will run from September 21 to 25 across the country.
More than 5.8 million children are expected to receive measles and rubella vaccines.
This includes children who have previously received the measles-rubella vaccine.
Malawi had recorded 376 confirmed measles cases by August this year.
Launching the campaign at Lumbira Ground in Blantyre on Friday, Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi said the exercise is aimed at closing immunity gaps.
The campaign will also provide Vitamin A supplements to children aged six to 59 months.
Health authorities will deploy vaccination teams to health facilities, schools, outreach points and communities.
The move comes as routine immunisation coverage remains below the level needed to fully protect children.
WHO Representative to Malawi Dr Charles Kuria Njuguna said 88 percent of children receive their first measles vaccine dose.
Only 68 percent receive the second dose.
The difference leaves some children without adequate protection against measles.
“Measles remains a serious public health threat,” Njuguna said.
He called for sustained action from government, communities and partners to close the immunity gaps.
Globally, an estimated 11 million measles cases were recorded in 2024.
About 2.6 million of those cases were recorded in the WHO African Region.
Approximately 95,000 deaths were reported worldwide.
Njuguna said Malawi has nevertheless made progress towards measles elimination.
He said the Kamuzu Central Hospital laboratory is now fully accredited to conduct measles testing locally.
Njuguna urged traditional and religious leaders and other community gatekeepers to mobilise families.
He said eligible children should receive the vaccine during the five-day campaign.
