Cambodia Launches Nationwide Measles Vaccination Campaign to Protect Children

Prof. Chheang Ra, Cambodia’s Minister of Health, has called upon parents and caregivers across the nation to bring their children, from nine...

Prof. Chheang Ra, Cambodia’s Minister of Health, has called upon parents and caregivers across the nation to bring their children, from nine months up to five years old, to receive an additional dose of the measles vaccine. His plea, emphasizing the importance of maintaining immunity, addresses concerns about potential re-introduction of the disease from other regions, posing a risk to Cambodia’s health security.

Prof. Chheang Ra, Cambodia’s Minister of Health

This appeal was made during the launch of a nationwide measles vaccination campaign on October 31, 2024, targeting over 1.5 million children between the ages of nine months and 59 months. The event took place at the Samdech Ov Samdech Mena Referral Hospital, marking a major initiative to prevent the resurgence of this highly contagious disease.

"The measles vaccine remains one of the most effective tools we have to protect our children from a disease that can have serious consequences,” said Prof. Chheang Ra. He urged grandparents, parents, and guardians to prioritize this additional vaccine dose, even if their children have been vaccinated before, reinforcing that the 2024 injection serves as an essential booster.

In recent history, Cambodia achieved notable success in eradicating measles, earning global recognition for its efforts. However, Prof. Ra noted that the risk of re-infection exists, especially as cases can re-enter the country from external sources every five years or so. “This vaccination campaign is crucial to help maintain our nation’s disease-free status, acting as a preventive measure to secure our children's health,” he added, explaining the government’s goal of comprehensive disease elimination.

The campaign will operate intensively for a short period, providing ample opportunity for parents and caregivers to bring their children to health centers and hospitals across the country. Prof. Ra emphasized that while the measles vaccine protects against measles specifically, it can also reduce risks associated with other infectious diseases, making it a vital addition to Cambodia’s public health strategy.

As measles cases surged worldwide from 170,000 in 2022 to 320,000 in 2023, Cambodia’s focused vaccination initiative is both timely and essential. The campaign underpins the nation's broader mission to reinforce health security, curb the spread of infectious diseases, and continue advancing toward a measles-free Cambodia.

The Ministry of Health’s National Immunization Program currently offers 12 essential vaccines for infants and young children. These cover various infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, polio, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, pneumonia-meningitis due to Hib bacteria, measles, rubella, pneumococcal infections, JE encephalitis, and cervical cancer prevention, thereby supporting a healthier future for all children in Cambodia.