Measles has resurfaced in Sri Lanka, despite being recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 for successfully eradicating the disease.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (Dec. 27), Health Ministry Secretary Dr.Palitha Mahipala said that a surge of Measles cases have been reported from 09 districts, namely Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Jaffna, Kurunegala, and Kalmunai.

To combat this unexpected setback, health authorities have devised a special programme in collaboration with the WHO’s South Asian regional office and the Geneva office.

This targeted initiative aims to administer measles vaccinations to infants aged between 06 – 09 months, focusing exclusively on the aforementioned nine districts. The vaccination drive is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Authorities have also decided to include children between 09 – 15 months of age who may h