Measles-Rubella: Littoral Mobilises For National Vaccination Campaign

T he Littoral Region is step­ ping up preparations for the national measles and rubella vaccination campaign sche­ duled for October 14 to 18, 2026, following the spread of measles across 20 of its 24 health districts between 2025 and 2026. The mo­ bilisation effort was highlighted du­ ring a media briefing at the Littoral Regional Delegation of Public Health in Douala in Friday October 9, where the Regional Delegate of public health, Charles Yopndoi, called for greater involvement to ensure the success of the exercise. “Between 2025 and 2026, measles affected 20 of our 24 health districts, with thousands of children infected,” he said, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the disease. According to figures presented du­ ring the briefing, Cameroon had re­ corded 9,369 confirmed cases by the 33rd epidemiological week of 2026, with 122 health districts af­ fected by outbreaks. The situation has been linked to insufficient vac­ cination coverage, particularly for the second dose of the measles-ru­ bella vaccine. In 2025, coverage stood at 85 per cent for the first dose and 70 per cent for the second dose. Further­ more, 76 per cent of confirmed cases involved unvaccinated children. According to the regional delegate, the campaign will help protect eli­ gible children while reaching those who have missed routine immuni­ sation and those who have never received a vaccine dose. Children aged nine to 59 months will be vaccinated free of charge at health facilities and designated tem­ porary sites, including markets, pa­ laces, chiefdoms, churches and Mosque, schools and any area of human gatherings. The approach is intended to bring vaccination ser­ vices closer to households and im­ prove access for children a...