Berea, Preparations for Lesotho’s upcoming Measles-Rubella Supplementary Immunization Activities (MR SIAs) are in full swing, with a key Training of Trainers (TOT) session recently completed in Berea District. The nationwide vaccination campaign will run from 20–24 October 2025, followed by mop-up efforts from 25–27 October in areas with low coverage.

The TOT training is designed to equip national and district health teams with the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies required to plan and implement a high quality vaccination campaign. Participants were guided through all aspects of the MR SIAs, including identifying the target population, understanding the objectives and rationale of the campaign, defining its scope and duration, outlining campaign strategies and interventions, and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each team. After the training, national and district teams will cascade the training to health facility staff nationwide, equipping frontline health workers with the skills needed to deliver lifesaving vaccines to every eligible child

A total of 85 participants attended the training. They included District Medical Officers, Public Health Nurses, Health Management Information Systems Officers, Child Health Officers, and Environmental Health Officers, together with representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry Local Government. The broad participation underscores the multi-sectoral approach taken to ensure the success of the vaccination campaign. The campaign is expected to reach 196,308 children aged 0-59 months across Lesotho with four integrated interventions; measles-rubella vaccine, oral polio vaccine, Vitamin A and deworming tablets. The age of the child will determine the number of intervention the child will receive.

“The Ministry of Health is dedicated to protecting every child in Lesotho from measles and rubella. The upcoming vaccination campaign, in collaboration with communities, partners, and health workers, aims to prevent future outbreaks while strengthening trust in the health system and securing a healthier future for all Basotho,” stated the Deputy EPI Manager, Susan Ramakhunoane of the Ministry of Health.

With support from GAVI, the vaccine Alliance, The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are providing financial and technical support to strengthen the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the campaign. Their expertise ensures that the MR SIAs are evidence-based, inclusive, and effective, safeguarding the health and well-being of children across Lesotho.

“Every child has the right to be protected from preventable diseases like measles and rubella. This campaign is not only about vaccines but about giving children in Lesotho a healthier future,” said Ms. Selloane Maepe- Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Programme Officer WHO Lesotho

Through this campaign, Lesotho reinforces its commitment to safeguarding child health and advancing progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with gratitude to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, for its support.