November 6, 2024
1 min read

Sri Lanka launches measles vaccination targeting youth

Although Sri Lanka successfully eliminated measles, cases were reported in certain areas last year, according to Tissera…reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health has launched a special measles vaccination programme from Monday and running until November 9, targetting selected districts in response to recent cases of the disease.

Hasitha Tissera, a senior epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health, announced that the programme will be conducted in 12 districts across the country.

Although Sri Lanka successfully eliminated measles, cases were reported in certain areas last year, according to Tissera.

This programme specifically targets young people who, for various reasons, did not receive the full dose of the measles vaccine, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced into Sri Lanka’s immunisation programme in 1984. A second dose was added in 2001 to strengthen immunity levels, and in 2019, the World Health Organization declared Sri Lanka measles-free.

However, a global drop in immunisation coverage between 2020 and 2022 impacted many countries in the region, contributing to a resurgence of measles cases, including in Sri Lanka, UNICEF reported earlier this year.

Afghanistan reports spike in measles cases

Measles cases are surging in Afghanistan, with nearly 6,000 positive cases in 2024, according to the latest data from the country’s Ministry of Public Health.

“Out of 10,000 suspected measles cases in 2024, nearly 6,000 cases have tested positive, showing an increase compared to 2023,” local media quoted the ministry’s spokesperson, Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil, as saying on Monday.

The ministry planned to launch a measles vaccination campaign across the country to prevent disease outbreaks, said Amarkhil.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting local media outlet TOLOnews.

Measles is an extremely infectious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily when infected people breathe, cough or sneeze. An individual infected with measles can infect nine out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom they come in close contact.

ALSO READ: Minority front condemns atrocities in Bangladesh

Previous Story

Chinese Human rights lawyer hospitalised after hunger strike

Next Story

Axis of Convenience: New Global Dynamics

Latest from -Top News

Global Grief Over J&K Terror Strike

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the horrific terror attack, stating that violence can not be justified….reports Asian Lite News Condolences have poured in from around the world after the horrific

Pakistan Condemns J&K Terror Strike

Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a brief statement, saying, “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan on Wednesday responded to the

Muslim World League Condemns Terror in Pahalgam

Prime Minister Modi commended the firm stand of the Muslim World League against extremism, terrorism and violence….reports Asian Lite News The Muslim World League has condemned the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam,

Florida Techie Killed in Pahalgam Attack

Bitan was shot dead in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, where terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on civilians, most of them tourists…reports Asian Lite News In one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu

US Vice President Visits Agra

Security arrangements in Agra were heightened ahead of the high-profile visit, with personnel deployed along key routes and near tourist locations. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, along with his wife Usha Vance
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistan tries to revive TAPI gas pipeline project

Talking to the media following his meeting with Turkmen President

Taliban using search ops to detain, torture former security forces

Taliban is using force and witnesses say that it is