Sierra Leone successfully completed a nationwide Measles and Rubella (MR) Supplementary Immunization campaign, achieving 99% coverage of the targeted population, according to administrative data. This campaign, which focused on children aged 9 to 59 months, resulted in the vaccination of 1,336,845 children. Notably, the campaign also identified and vaccinated 16,132 zero-dose children who had previously missed out on essential vaccinations. 

This remarkable achievement was the result of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and its key partners, including World Health Organization (WHO), Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), UNICEF, and others. The campaign's success marks a critical step toward reducing the burden of measles in Sierra Leone and enhancing protection against rubella. By increasing immunity, the initiative will help prevent measles outbreaks and early childhood deaths, while also protecting against congenital rubella syndrome, a severe complication that can occur during early pregnancy. 

Measles remains a public health concern in Sierra Leone, being highly contagious and a leading cause of preventable deaths in children under five. In June 2019, the government, with support from partners, conducted a seven-day integrated measles-rubella (MR) campaign, which also included oral polio vaccines (OPV), vitamin A supplements, and deworming tablets (albendazole) in selected districts. While this campaign was scheduled every three years, it was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, halting both routine and emergency immunization efforts. This interruption, along with other health crises, has led to recent measles outbreaks, particularly in Karene, Port Loko, and Koinadugu districts. These outbreaks, coupled with sub-optimal national vaccination coverage, underscore the urgent need for intensified immunization efforts. The government is now working to improve coverage through targeted reactive campaigns, which have helped to reduce the number of cases in affected areas.

On 3 July – 9 July 2024, the Ministry of Health, with technical support from WHO and other partners, launched a seven-day MR follow-up campaign from. The WHO played a critical role by conducting readiness assessments to identify and address gaps before the campaign and providing technical support for training health workers on MR campaign strategies. WHO also trained independent monitors to assess the quality and impact of the campaign. During the vaccination drive, WHO technical staff conducted supervisory visits across eight districts, including areas with recent measles outbreaks (Karene, Port Loko, and Koinadugu) and five cross-border or measles-prone districts (Pujehun, Tonkolili, Kono, Kambia, and Bombali). 

This comprehensive effort resulted in a significant boost in immunization coverage, which is expected to drastically reduce the spread of measles and rubella in Sierra Leone. By identifying zero-dose children and vaccinating a large portion of the at-risk population, the campaign has created a stronger immunity shield within communities, helping to prevent further outbreaks and save lives. 

Looking ahead, WHO will continue to support the Ministry of Health by conducting a post-campaign coverage survey (PCCS) to accurately estimate vaccination coverage. This survey will also help evaluate the overall performance of the campaign, providing critical insights for future immunization strategies and efforts aimed at eliminating measles and rubella in Sierra Leone.

For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:

SHARKAH Madlyn

National Communication Officer
WHO Sierra Leone
Email: sharkahm [at] who.int (sharkahm[at]who[dot]int)