Melaka: The Melaka government will initiate a Measles-Rubella Supplementary Immunisation Activity through the Health Department over a 10-week period beginning August 4, in response to the increasing measles cases in the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem announced that the supplementary Measles-Rubella vaccine will be offered at no cost to all babies and children aged six to 59 months, specifically those born between August 1, 2020, and January 31 of this year, regardless of nationality. This initiative aims to reach over 46,000 children.

The vaccines will be available at all health clinics, rural clinics, and Malaysian Armed Forces health centers through walk-ins, appointments, or via the MySejahtera app. Additionally, outreach activities will be conducted at selected locations to enhance accessibility.

A total of 38 measles cases have been reported in Melaka this year, representing an incidence rate of 36.3 per million population from the first to the 30th epidemiological week. This is in contrast to 74 cases recorded throughout the previous year. The outbreak is part of a larger trend across Malaysia, which has led to the country not meeting the World Health Organisation's measles elimination target of fewer than one case per million population without any outbreaks within the year.

Ngwe attributes the increase in measles cases in Melaka to several factors, including immunity gaps among children who missed the Measles-Rubella vaccination, particularly among migrants, and the high level of population mobility due to Melaka's popularity as a tourist destination.

He emphasized that the supplementary vaccination programme is an essential measure to address these immunity gaps and prevent further outbreaks, especially in areas with low coverage, to ensure comprehensive immunity among children.