Dates for phase two of anti-measles campaign announced in Oman

Oman Saturday 15/July/2017 21:20 PM
By: Times News Service
Dates for phase two of anti-measles campaign announced in Oman

Muscat: Phase Two of the National Measles Immunisation Campaign, targeting most of the Sultanate’s governorates, is due to start in two months’ time, officials announced.
The Ministry of Health has announced that the second phase of the National Measles Immunisation Campaign will start on the 10th of September, and conclude on the 16th of September, 2017.
Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, announced the national campaign for immunisation after a spike in cases. He revealed there were 114 confirmed cases in 2016, and that by the end of April this year, 44 cases of measles had also been recorded.
Successful run
Following Phase One’s successful run in Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates, the second phase of vaccination against measles will include the rest of the governorates of the Sultanate, according to previous statements.
Teams will continue to vaccinate the target age group, all residents and citizens between the ages of 20-35, with the measles, rubella and mumps vaccine (MMR).
Reviewed
In a meeting chaired by Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Hosni, MOH Undersecretary for Health Affairs, and other senior officials, the group reviewed the challenges and achievements that were made during the first phase of the campaign, which was held in Dhofar and Al Wusta.
“The National Campaign has shown in its first phase the strength of the health system in the Sultanate, as well as the cooperation between the health workers, and the citizens and residents,” the Ministry said.
Response
While phase one was originally scheduled for May 14, and was to be conclude on May 20, officials at the Ministry had extended the vaccination drives in the two areas until May 27, due to huge success and response rate with residents.
The Ministry called on all citizens and residents to participate in the second phase of the national campaign when launching after Eid Al Adha.
The Ministry also asked that individuals should not pay attention to rumours, and only take information from reliable sources.