Measles cases reappear despite strong immunisation record

By Mangala Pavithrani 

Colombo, April 22 (Daily Mirror) - Health authorities have warned of a resurgence in measles cases in Sri Lanka, despite the country’s long-standing and successful immunisation programme spanning more than six decades.

Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena said the renewed cases reflect global trends and serve as a reminder that continuous vigilance is required even in countries with strong vaccination coverage.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau today, he said that although diseases such as smallpox and polio have been eradicated, and Sri Lanka was internationally recognised in 2019 for eliminating measles, new cases re-emerged in 2023.

He said the health sector has launched a special programme to control the situation by ensuring that all missed vaccine doses are administered during this year’s immunisation week.

“World Immunisation Week” will be observed from April 24 to 30 under the theme “For every generation, vaccines work.” Dr. Gunawardena said efforts are underway to eliminate measles and malaria from Sri Lanka through strengthened vaccination coverage.

Community Medicine Specialist Dr. Sashimali Wickramasinghe stressed the importance of children receiving both doses of the MMR vaccine according to the national schedule. The first dose is given at nine months of age, while the second is administered at three years.

She said most measles cases are reported among children under nine months who are not yet eligible for vaccination, and young adults aged 20 to 30 who may have missed the second dose.

Dr. Wickramasinghe said special vaccination campaigns were conducted in 2023 to reach those who had missed doses, and nine high-risk districts have already been identified.

She urged parents to check their children’s health records and ensure that both doses of the vaccine are administered on time.