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.
Malok detailed the case distribution, saying, “We 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 we are awaiting results.”
The director emphasised the campaign’s focus on young children, stating, “This campaign targets children from 6 months to 5 years; adults are not included.”
Despite available vaccines, Malok said the state was still recording cases in children, with severe complications like pneumonia, blindness, and other risk factors.
“We are targeting 297,867 children, and we have over 350,000 vaccines, which is sufficient to cover the entire target population,” he said of measles vaccination.
To enhance outreach, Dr. Malok requested additional support from the national Ministry of Health to increase the number of teams so the community can be reached without overwhelming staff.
He expressed optimism, saying, “With commitment from our State Ministry of Health and partners, I hope we will eradicate measles, making our people free from this virus.”
Poth Majak Daljang, the Minister of Agriculture and government representative, praised the initiative by the Ministry of Health and partners for bringing the campaign at a critical time as the state approaches the rainy season.
Majak encouraged participation, stating, “This is a free vaccination. Vaccinator teams will visit designated areas; bring your children to be vaccinated against measles.” He assured the safety of health workers, saying, “You will go safely and come back safely.”
Majak thanked UNICEF for supplying the vaccines and urged other partners to address ongoing challenges, noting, “Health workers’ pay does not meet minimum wage requirements, limiting their efforts.”
UNICEF Health Officer Dr. Kawa Koul Tong reaffirmed their commitment, saying UNICEF partners with the South Sudan Ministry of Health to improve primary health care, including integrative projects up to the community level.
“UNICEF is committed to ensuring the vaccine supply chain is functional, reaching all children, leaving no child behind.” Dr. Tong urged collective action: “Measles is a fatal disease. Let’s join hands as county medical officers, the Ministry of Health, and communities to vaccinate every child.”
Alier Abel Garang, Data Manager for EPI (WHO) in Lakes State, credited collaborative efforts for the vaccination campaign’s launch.
“This campaign results from joint work by the national and state ministries, frontline health workers, and partners, with technical support from WHO and financial backing from Gavi, UNICEF, and others,” said Garang
The manager highlighted gaps in routine immunisation, stating, “Low coverage in several areas leads to ongoing measles cases and outbreaks, posing a significant public health risk.”
Garang concluded with a call to action: “Let us move forward with energy and unity to ensure this campaign reaches every child, family, and community in need.”
