By Kei Emmanuel Duku
The National Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF and other health organizations, aims to vaccinate 567,065 children with a second dose of the measles vaccine (MCV) across 80 counties. The campaign seeks to boost immunity and close critical immunization gaps.
Once fully implemented, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) will vaccinate children against measles at nine and eighteen months of age. UNICEF’s South Sudan Representative, Noala Skinner, stated the campaign’s main objective is to reduce potential dropout rates between the first and second doses, ensuring all children, including those in hard-to-reach or conflict-affected areas are vaccinated.
Skinner stressed the importance of full measles protection, particularly for malnourished children displaced by conflict and floods, as one dose of the vaccine does not provide complete immunity. “The introduction of the second dose of the measles vaccine into the national routine immunization schedule is closing a critical gap in protecting children from one of the world’s most contagious and deadly diseases,” Skinner said.
According to a 2025 Measles Risk Assessment, nearly 90% of counties in South Sudan face a high or very high risk of outbreaks. This is due to low immunization coverage, weak surveillance, and the previous absence of a second measles vaccine dose in the national schedule. The assessment targeted children aged 6 to 59 months.
The assessment further found that 73 out of 80 counties were reached, achieving an 85% national coverage rate. However, only 38% of counties met the crucial 95% coverage threshold needed to halt measles transmission. These results highlight the on-going immunity gaps and the urgent need for the second vaccine dose.
Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, the World Health Organization (WHO) South Sudan Representative, noted the second dose campaign is a joint effort between the government, UNICEF, and WHO, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. He stated that these joint efforts would address long-standing immunization gaps by training health workers, expanding cold chain infrastructure, improving data systems, and conducting targeted social mobilization campaigns.
Dr. Karamagi praised the country’s immunization program, calling the introduction of MCV2 “a milestone in strengthening child health and vaccine-preventable disease control.” He emphasized that the program’s sustainability relies on continuous community outreach, health worker training, and effective data recording.
The two-dose regimen is part of 2017 WHO recommendations to all countries. As of August 12, 2025, South Sudan will be the 45th country in Africa to introduce the MCV2.
In a joint press release, South Sudan’s National Minister of Health, Cleto Rial, expressed the country’s commitment to eliminating measles. Rial stated the MCV2 strengthens children’s immunity and by ensuring high immunization coverage throughout the country, it helps to achieve the global goal of measles elimination by 2030.
She added that second dose of the MCV2 like any other routine immunization services will be delivered through fixed posts, outreach, and mobile strategies.
Measles remains a highly contagious and deadly vaccine-preventable disease, particularly for children under five. Launching the MCV2 is a significant step toward addressing health gaps and demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to protecting children, strengthening its healthcare system, and preventing future outbreaks.