Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia has successfully concluded a nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination, Vitamin A Supplementation, and Deworming Campaign, reaching over 352,000 children aged 9 to 59 months, the Ministry of Health has announced.
The figure represents 91.8 percent of the targeted 385,720 children, marking a major stride in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen routine immunization and prevent childhood diseases.
The campaign, conducted from 23 to 28 October 2025, was supported by key health partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), and the Medical Research Council (MRC).
Launching the campaign on 22 October on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi, Director of Health Services, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting children from preventable diseases.
“Health is a shared responsibility, and protecting our children from preventable diseases is a national obligation,” Dr. Nyassi said. “Together with our partners, we are determined to close the immunity gap and ensure that every child in The Gambia is protected against measles and rubella.”
One of the notable achievements of the campaign was the vaccination of more than 4,700 zero-dose children, those receiving the measles-rubella vaccine for the first time. Health officials described this as a critical step toward addressing equity gaps and ensuring that no child remains unprotected.
In addition to vaccinations, the campaign delivered other key child health interventions. Vitamin A supplementation reached 345,325 children, while 317,465 children received deworming tablets (Mebendazole), contributing to improved immunity, nutrition, and healthy physical development.
The WHO Representative in The Gambia, Dr. Nathan Bakyaita, praised the Ministry of Health, frontline health workers, and partners for their coordination and commitment.
“By strengthening immunization coverage and delivering essential child health interventions such as vitamin A supplementation and deworming, The Gambia is investing in a stronger, healthier future generation,” Dr. Bakyaita said. He added that the high coverage rate demonstrates strong public trust and the dedication of health workers across all regions.
Officials noted that the campaign not only boosted immunity but also helped restore confidence in vaccination programs among parents and caregivers, many of whom expressed relief knowing their children are now protected from diseases that once posed serious threats.
With only 2.98 percent of eligible children remaining unvaccinated, the Ministry of Health says the success of this campaign reflects both strong national leadership and effective global partnership. The government and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a measles- and rubella-free Gambia in the coming years.
