Table of Contents
Nationwide Measles-Rubella Vaccination and Child Health Initiative Achieves Remarkable Success in The Gambia
Comprehensive Campaign Protects Over 350,000 Young Children
The Gambian Government, through its Ministry of Health, has triumphantly completed a large-scale Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination drive combined with Vitamin A supplementation and deworming treatments. This extensive effort reached more than 352,000 children aged between 9 and 59 months, achieving an outstanding coverage rate of 91.8% out of the targeted 385,720 children nationwide.
Collaborative Effort with International and National Partners
Backed by key organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), and the Medical Research Council (MRC), this campaign represents a significant advancement in The Gambia’s ongoing mission to shield children from preventable illnesses and enhance routine immunization services.
Official Launch and Leadership Commitment
On 22 October 2025, the campaign was officially inaugurated by Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi, Director of Health Services, acting on behalf of the Minister of Health. Dr. Nyassi emphasized the collective responsibility of safeguarding children’s health, stating, “Protecting our young ones from vaccine-preventable diseases is a duty we all share. Through united efforts with our partners, we aim to close immunity gaps and ensure every Gambian child is shielded against measles and rubella.”
Key Achievements and Impact on Child Health
Conducted from 23 to 28 October 2025, the campaign successfully vaccinated over 4,700 children who had never received any prior immunizations, marking a critical stride toward equitable healthcare access. Additionally, Vitamin A supplements were provided to 345,325 children, while 317,465 children received Mebendazole tablets to combat parasitic infections, thereby promoting improved nutrition, immune function, and healthy development.
Endorsements from Health Authorities and Community Leaders
During the launch event, Dr. Nathan Bakyaita, WHO Representative in The Gambia, praised the Ministry of Health’s leadership and the unwavering dedication of healthcare workers and partners. He remarked, “By enhancing immunization coverage alongside essential interventions like Vitamin A supplementation and deworming, The Gambia is investing in a resilient and healthier future generation.”
Dr. Bakyaita also highlighted that the campaign’s impressive reach reflects strong community trust and the relentless commitment of health personnel across all regions.
Restoring Confidence and Empowering Communities
The campaign has revitalized public trust in vaccination programs, with parents and caregivers expressing heartfelt relief and appreciation, knowing their children are now safeguarded against diseases that previously caused widespread concern. The gratitude and smiles from families underscore the campaign’s profound effect: empowering households, rebuilding confidence in health services, and reinforcing a shared dedication to nurturing a safer, healthier generation of Gambian children.
Partnerships Driving Sustainable Health Outcomes
The success of the 2025 MR Campaign was made possible through the robust collaboration of WHO, UNICEF, NaNA, and MRC, supported financially and technically by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Their coordinated efforts ensured that vaccines, Vitamin A supplements, and deworming medications reached every corner of the country, exemplifying how strategic partnerships can yield enduring public health benefits.
Progress Toward a Measles- and Rubella-Free Future
With only 2.98% of eligible children remaining unvaccinated, this campaign stands as a testament to effective national leadership and global cooperation. It marks a significant step forward in The Gambia’s journey toward eliminating measles and rubella, contributing to the broader goal of safeguarding child health and wellbeing across the region.
