More than 38,000 children across Vanuatu have not received their full measles injections, putting the country at high risk due to low immunization coverage.

The concern has prompted the Ministry of Health (MoH)  to hold its first national measles consultation with key stakeholders as it prepares for a mass measles campaign to be carried out across all provinces this year.

MoH is targeting 90 to 95 percent coverage among children aged one to five as part of efforts to prevent and stop measle transmission.

The Ministry has planned the mass campaign across the provinces from August to November. The campaign will begin in Sanma from August to September, targeting more than 8,000 children (1-5yrs).

In October, the campaign will move to Malampa, Penama and Shefa, targeting more than 5,000 children in Malampa, over 4,000 in Penama and more than 12,000 in Shefa.

In November, the campaign will continue in Tafea and Torba, targeting more than 6,000 children in Tafea and over 1,000 children in Torba.

National Coordinator for the Disease prevention and Immunization Program, Simo Arnitalu, said the number of children receiving measles injections has significantly declined since 2020.

He says rumors and misinformation have led parents to refuse injections for their children, creating a significant gap in immunity among children.

“The information is not clear. People are receiving some information that is not accurate, and this is what is creating a big gap,” says Arnitalu.

Manager of Family Health Unit at the MoH, Ben John Taura, said the consultation is aimed at preparing Vanuatu and protecting children before a possible outbreak.

He said measles outbreaks have affected several neighbouring Pacific countries, including Samoa, which was severely affected by a measles outbreak in 2009, with most deaths linked to low coverage of measle injection coverage. He also mentioned Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

“The situation with outbreaks happening in neighbouring Pacific countries such as Australia, New Zealand and PNG puts our country at risk. Based on the existing low coverage shown in reports and data across the country, especially for children, we need to conduct a mass measles campaign to boost immunity and close this gap.”

The consultation brought together trusted community leaders from the Vaturisu Council of Chiefs and Port Vila Council of Chiefs, Vanuatu Christian Council of Churches (VCC), youth representatives, NGOs, media, and government representatives.

Stakeholders shared their views on how communities can work together to improve immunization coverage and protect children.

Vaturisu Council of Chiefs member, Chief Mariwota Matua Nasu called on communities and chiefs to support the immunization efforts.

“As mothers with children, it is good for us to make sure work together to help our population growth. I also appeal to the chiefs to make sure our people in the communities remain healthy.”

The Ministry says the national consultation is an important step towards the planned mass measles campaign, with close to 40,000 children requiring protection through improved immunization coverage.