4 Nov 2014

Measles outbreak in Vanuatu prompts vaccination

3:35 pm on 4 November 2014

The Vanuatu government is undertaking a major child immunisation programme, with the aid of UNICEF, the World Health Organisation and AusAID.

Children in Vanuatu

Children in Vanuatu Photo: RNZ

This month children under five years of age in Port Vila, Luganville and Lenakel are to receive immunisation, vitamin A and deworming.

UNICEF's chief in Vanuatu, Diane Araki, says the integrated package is an important strategy for improving child health and survival.

She says it aims to reach about 17,500 children and has been prompted by an outbreak of measles.

Ms Araki says just half of the children in Vanuatu have received measles vaccine.