Anti-measles campaign in IDP camps

More than 36,000 internally displaced children in camps will be vaccinated against measles in a special 'child health campaign' launched this week. In a joint effort with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO and a coalition of other partners, the campaign aims to counter the sporadic cases of measles which have occurred in the past months and prevent risk of further outbreak.

The campaign will target all children under 5 years. Nearly 100 public health midwives and 1,200 volunteers will participate at 30 centres in Vavuniya. This follows several weeks of preparations to pre-position immunisation supplies, train health workers and mobilise volunteers.

Child health remains a key priority for the Government of Sri Lanka, we are committed to ensuring that the IDP population is protected, said Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage.

Speaking at a special measles training for health workers, the Deputy Director of Health Services, Dr. Ajith Mendis, thanked all of those involved in the campaign, particularly UNICEF, and urged all parents in camps to have their children vaccinated at the nearest centre.

Together with immunisation against measles, children will be given a dose of vitamin A and de-worming tablets - two additional life saving interventions aimed at raising a child's resistance against many diseases and preventing malnutrition, while freeing them from worms.