High Turnout in Catch-Up Vaccination Campaign Reaches Over 12,000 Children in Lesotho

“Vaccination is not merely a medical intervention; it is a fundamental human right,” stated Dr. Zbelo.

In an effort to catch up with unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children, the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), implemented a catch-up vaccination campaign from 29 April to 4 May across all 10 districts of Lesotho. The campaign successfully reached 12,447 children with the Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine, recording a high turnout in many communities.

The primary objectives of this vaccination campaign were to develop district and health facility micro-plans and mobilize all communities to vaccinate unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children. Speaking at the launch of African Vaccination Week in Quthing district, the Minister of Health, Mr. Selibe Mochoboraone, encouraged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive their routine vaccinations. "We call on all parents to ensure their children's routine vaccinations are up to date. It is the best thing we can do for ourselves, our families, and our communities," said Minister Mochoboroane.

Representing the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Mesfin Zbelo reiterated WHO's commitment to supporting the Government of Lesotho in ensuring that every individual has access to life-saving vaccines. "Vaccination is not merely a medical intervention; it is a fundamental human right," stated Dr. Zbelo.

This year's African Vaccination Week also marked the 50th Anniversary of WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Launched in 1974, the EPI initially targeted six diseases (diphtheria, measles, polio, tetanus, tuberculosis, and whooping cough) and has since expanded to cover 14 vaccine-preventable diseases.

The initiative has proven particularly effective in bridging the vaccine access gap, reaching populations with limited access to regular health services.