KPL
(KPL) Deputy Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth on May 23 visited Xaysomboun Province to observe rubella and measles vaccination conducted in Thongkhoun village, Anouvong district.
(KPL) Deputy Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth on May 23 visited Xaysomboun Province to observe rubella and measles vaccination conducted in Thongkhoun village, Anouvong district.
Scheduled for May 20-30, a rubella and measles vaccination campaign is being conducted nationwide targeting children aged between 9 months to 5 years.
Local authorities have an ambitious plan to have at least 95% of target groups of children in the province are protected with rubella and measles vaccines.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, according to the World Health Organisation. It remains an important cause of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.
Rubella is a contagious viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults. The virus is the leading vaccine-preventable cause of birth defects. Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome.
Although rubella and measles are vaccine preventable diseases, vaccination coverage has been declining in many regions over recent years. As a result, infection and deaths from the diseases have been increasing significantly, especially in developing countries.
In the Lao PDR, rubella and measles vaccines can be administered without charges at district and provincial hospitals, dispensaries, and other designated places.
KPL
