Following one of the worst measles outbreaks in South Sudan’s recent history, the Ministry of Health, with support from its partners including the International Rescue Committee, plans to conduct a nationwide measles vaccination campaign across the country in March 2023. With an 182% increase incases of measles  between the first two months of 2022 compared to the first two months of 2023, the national campaign is aimed at closing immunity gaps to stop the transmission of the virus and protect the health of the populace.

According to WHO, from January 2022 to 1 February 2023, health authorities in South Sudan responded to an ongoing outbreak of measles, with 4339 suspected cases and 46 deaths reported across the country. Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, but it is one that can easily be prevented with timely immunization. Children are most at risk of the disease – children who are malnourished are even more vulnerable.