Paraguay has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign against measles. This campaign has the aim to strengthen protection and prevent the possible reintroduction of the disease. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS). It will run for eight weeks across the country and seeks to immunise nearly half a million children between the ages of one and five.
Health authorities emphasise that the measles vaccination campaign forms part of broader efforts to maintain Paraguay’s measles-free status. While also reinforcing public health defences at a time when cases have been increasing in several countries around the world. Officials are urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive the additional vaccine dose during the campaign period.
Protection against diseases
The vaccination campaign against measles was launched by the MSPBS through the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (PAI). The objective is to administer an additional dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. This vaccine is commonly known as the triple viral or MMR vaccine. Approximately 496,293 children between one and five years are expected to be vaccinated.
This additional dose will be applied even to children who have already completed their routine vaccination schedule or who participated in previous campaigns. According to the Ministry, the strategy is designed to reinforce immunity levels. And also, to close possible protection gaps in the population.
Vaccination doses became available starting March 9, in authorised vaccination centres throughout the country. Health teams will also be deployed in schools, hospital and health centres. Furthermore, both fixed and mobile vaccination posts are available to facilitate access for families. Authorities stress that the vaccines are safe, effective, and free of charge. They encourage families to attend the nearest health facility during the campaign period.
Regional measles risks
Paraguay has managed to sustain the elimination of measles. However, the Ministry warns that the disease continues to circulate in other parts of the world. For example, to enter and leave Paraguay, you need to be vaccinated against yellow fever. For this reason, maintaining high vaccination coverage remains essential.
The campaign was officially launched at the Paraguayan Society of Paediatrics (SPP). Julia Acuña, president of the SPP, highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing severe disease. She noted that measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications. Nonetheless, it is preventable through immunisation. According to Acuña, vaccinating children not only protects them individually. It also contributes to community protection. Particularly, for vulnerable groups who may be at higher risk of complications.
The importance of vaccination against measles
Measles is a viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets released when infected individuals speak, cough, or sneeze. These droplets can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours. This makes the virus extremely contagious.
Symptoms commonly include fever and a widespread skin rash that spreads across the body. Patients may also experience cough, conjunctivitis,, and nasal discharge. In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, permanent neurological damage, or even death. Because of these risks, health authorities emphasise that vaccination remains the most effective prevention measure.
Within Paraguay’s routine vaccination schedule, the first dose of the measles vaccine is at twelve months of age. Followed by a second dose at eighteen months.
Vaccination efforts reach distant regions
The campaign against measles is also taking place in distant areas from the capital, like Fuerte Olimpo. Fuerte Olimpo is located in the Alto Paraguay department, in the Chaco region, 760 kilometres away from Asunción. Local health authorities have begun vaccination efforts. The initiative is being coordinated by the local Family Health Unit to achieve at least 95% vaccination coverage across the district and the wider department.
One of the main challenges in this region is the vast territory that health teams must cover in order to reach scattered communities. Therefore, authorities have planned visits to schools, health posts, and even households in remote areas.
A call for national participation
Minister Barán of the MSPBS described the campaign against measles as a crucial strategy to protect child health. Also, as a key to maintaining Paraguay free from vaccine-preventable diseases. Barán also presented two campaign mascots: Titan and Nova. They are designed to symbolise protection and hope through vaccination and to help promote awareness among families. The Ministry is encouraging all parents and caregivers to take part in the campaign.
