The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has expanded its measles prevention efforts by launching a nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign for the public following the recent re-emergence of measles in the Maldives.
Health authorities say the campaign is part of a phased response aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further community transmission.
According to the latest figures released by the HPA, 22 confirmed measles cases have been recorded in the country since the outbreak began in May, including two new cases detected over the past week.
The agency has also identified 543 individuals who were in contact with infected patients. Of those, 173 remain under active monitoring while contact tracing and surveillance efforts continue.
Measles had previously been eliminated in the Maldives through years of successful vaccination programmes. However, the recent outbreak has prompted health officials to strengthen immunization efforts and public health monitoring.
The HPA noted that most of the confirmed cases this year have involved Maldivians aged over 18, highlighting the importance of ensuring vaccination coverage extends beyond children.
As part of the first phase of the campaign, the MR vaccine will be administered to frontline healthcare workers and individuals under the age of 18 between June 28 and June 30.
Vaccination schedules and locations for residents in Malé have been published through the HPA’s official social media platforms, while health facilities in the atolls will announce their operating hours separately.
The second phase of the campaign will target individuals under the age of 30 who have already received two doses of the vaccine, with vaccinations expected to begin from June 30.
A third phase is also being planned for people below the age of 49 who have not completed the recommended vaccination schedule.
In addition to the wider public campaign, the HPA said it is continuing to vaccinate close contacts of confirmed measles patients who have not received both doses of the vaccine. So far, 220 contacts have been vaccinated as part of the outbreak response.
The agency also reported that 1,537 frontline healthcare workers have already received the MR vaccine to help protect medical staff and reduce the risk of transmission within healthcare facilities.
Alongside the vaccination programme, the HPA has intensified disease surveillance across the country while conducting awareness campaigns and training sessions for healthcare professionals to improve early detection and case management.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to serious complications, particularly among young children and people with weakened immune systems. Health officials continue to urge those eligible to receive the vaccine, emphasizing that immunization remains the most effective protection against the disease.
