Cases of measles reported despite robust vaccine uptake

Health authorities in Sri Lanka have raised concern over a renewed rise in measles infections, even as the country continues to maintain a long-standing and widely successful vaccination programme spanning over six decades.

Director General of Health Services Asela Gunawardena said the recent spike reflects global patterns and highlights the need for continued vigilance, even in nations with strong immunisation coverage.

Speaking at a briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, he noted that while diseases such as smallpox and polio have been eliminated and Sri Lanka was certified free of measles in 2019, new cases began reappearing in 2023.

Authorities have now launched a targeted response programme aimed at closing vaccination gaps by administering missed doses during this year’s national immunisation activities.

The upcoming “World Immunisation Week,” scheduled from April 24 to 30, will be held under the theme “For every generation, vaccines work.” Health officials say the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen coverage and push toward eliminating measles and malaria.

Community medicine specialist Sashimali Wickramasinghe emphasized the importance of completing the two-dose MMR vaccination schedule. The first dose is given at nine months, followed by a second dose at three years of age.

She noted that most reported cases occur among infants under nine months who are too young to be vaccinated, as well as young adults aged 20–30 who may have missed their second dose.

Wickramasinghe added that special vaccination drives were carried out in 2023 to reach those who had missed immunisation, with nine high-risk districts already identified.

Health officials are urging parents to review their children’s vaccination records and ensure both doses are administered on schedule to maintain strong community protection.