Up to 7.5 million children to receive life-saving measles vaccination, a government-led initiative supported by UNICEF and WHO

UNICEF
Apr 14, 2024

Up to 7.5 million children to receive life-saving measles vaccination, a government-led initiative supported by UNICEF and WHO


A measles, mumps and rubella national campaign where more than 30,000 health workers will be mobilized to end disease transmission and save lives.

Baghdad, 14 April 2024 – Today, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF and WHO kicks off a massive nationwide vaccination campaign to protect children from contagious measles, mumps, and rubella diseases. Over 7.5 million children aged 6 - 12 years in primary schools in addition to kindergartens are expected to be reached during this campaign that ends on 25 April 2024.

“This campaign comes at a critical time to end the transmission of measles, one of the most contagious diseases,” said Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi, Minister of Health.

“Through our collaborative efforts with UNICEF and WHO, the Ministry of Health can safely and effectively stop the circulation of the measles virus and save the lives of children from this deadly disease by vaccinating children everywhere.”