Measles campaign in Oman covered 92 per cent of residents in target group

Muscat: Oman's National Measles Immunisation Campaign has officially ended, with 92 per cent of residents in the target group vaccinated.

HE Dr. Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Saidi revealed that coverage of Omanis reached 98per cent while coverage for expatriates was 88 per cent.

The target group for vaccination was residents between the ages of 20 and 35.

Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children around the world. World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have therefore decided to take action against measles.

The two organisations also aimed to reduce measles deaths by 95per cent and achieve eradication in at least five WHO regions by 2020.

HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Saif Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Affairs, said: ''This celebration comes in line with the Sultanate's celebrations of the 47th National Day.

This campaign will remain an example of the cohesion and interdependence of the health system and other sectors of the State, the private sector and civil society.''