This week, the Ministry of Public Health is mobilizing its agents to vaccinate children under five across the country. According to the ministry, the goal is to vaccinate 5.9 million children aged 0 to 59 months against polio and 5.36 million children aged 9 to 59 months against measles. Children aged 6 to 59 months will also receive vitamin A supplementation to boost their immunity.
“Cases of polio and measles are currently circulating in Madagascar, hence the necessity of this campaign,” explained Professor Noëline Ravelomanana, head of the Technical Advisory Group on Vaccination in Madagascar and president of the National Certification Committee for Polio Eradication, last week. She encourages parents to have their children vaccinated. “These vaccines are necessary, especially for children whose vaccination schedule is incomplete. But they are also important for those who are already vaccinated, as they strengthen immunity,” she added. The Malagasy Pediatric Society emphasizes that there is no risk of overdose: “Immunity continues to strengthen in a child who has already been vaccinated.”
In Madagascar, vaccination remains a real uphill battle for health authorities. According to data published on the Gavi website, the state’s main partner in vaccination, the coverage for the first dose of the measles vaccine (MCV1) was 49% in 2025, whereas at least 95% of children must be vaccinated to ensure herd immunity. Rumors and beliefs lead some parents not to have their children vaccinated.
This low vaccination coverage explains the resurgence of epidemics. The country had been declared polio-free, but cases have reappeared this year: six have been detected, including one fatal case, according to the Ministry of Public Health. “The vaccines used in Madagascar are safe,” assure Professor Ravelomanana and the Malagasy Pediatric Society. The campaign is taking place from October 5 to 9 in all regions of the country.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-05 06:38:53 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/prevention-une-campagne-de-vaccination.html