Though usually mild, Rubella can also cause serious birth defects known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) when infection occurs during pregnancy.
It is against this backdrop that The Gambia on Wednesday launched an aggressive campaign to vaccinate all children against measles-rubella and other supplementations. The campaign, which runs from 23rd to 28th October 2028, will see health officials cross-crossing communities across the country.
As planned, measles-rubella vaccines target children aged 9 to 59 months; while those aged 6 to 59 months will receive Vitamin A supplementation. Deworming tablets will also be administered to children aged 12 to 59 months.
However, this comes as the country recently experienced two episodes of measles outbreak in 2025, the first in April and the second in July; both in the Western 1 Region.
It has also been revealed that a total of nine confirmed positive cases were recorded, though no deaths have been reported. However, national assessment indicates that ‘if urgent action is not taken’, these sporadic cases could escalate into a nationwide outbreak with dire consequences.
Measles is said to be a vaccine preventable disease that still continues to pose a threat to children across the globe and have devastating consequences for pregnant women and their babies.
Therefore, we encourage all parents, caregivers and guardians to participate in this important exercise.
It is important to note that The Gambia has a success story when it comes to nationwide vaccination dating back to 1967. Few years later after the establishment of the Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1967, the unit continues to register more success, thanks to its robust and pragmatic intervention - ensuring that eligible children in the country are vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases.
We commend the Ministry for their active surveillance and commitment, ensuring that diseases that pose threat to human are monitored and contained at the right time.
Also, we want to encourage all parents, guardians and caregivers to reason that preventing their children from this life-threatening disease is crucial in living a healthier life.
Let’s remember that the children of today are the future leaders. As a nation, we can’t afford to have population that will be seen as a burden, rather than contributor to the country’s development process.
If others are vaccinated while some remain, it is like some percentage of the population is still a threat. And in the event a disease outbreak occurs, it will be like those children are susceptible and they could get infected easily or even die.
Therefore, we can create more awareness and achieve our desired goal. Each one, teach one. Let’s vaccinate our children against this life-threatening disease.