The Government has announced a national campaign to eradicate measles and rubella from the Maldives.
The measles and rubella vaccination campaign, organised by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) with assistance from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), will be held from February 26 to March 11.
The campaign will be officially launched by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Sunday.
Measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases mainly affecting children and young adults. These diseases transmit very quickly amongst unvaccinated population living in crowded areas. Health authorities reveal that vaccination is the most effective prevention for measles and rubella.
Children and young adults between the ages of 8 to 25 years will be vaccinated under the campaign, according to HPA.
The campaign is held as part of the Government's effort to make the country measles and rubella free by the end of the year.