Myanmar Measles Outbreak Threatens Displaced Children
Recent Developments
01Myanmar has continued to face measles risk in the context of conflict and disrupted routine immunization, with large-scale vaccination campaigns used to protect young children (Measles & Rubella Partnership).
02WHO’s recent Bangladesh measles alert highlights how vaccine stockouts, routine immunization gaps, and missed supplementary campaigns can rapidly drive large outbreaks in the region, a warning relevant to other fragile settings including Myanmar (WHO, 2026).
03WHO guidance continues to stress maintaining at least 95% coverage with both measles vaccine doses and strengthening surveillance to detect and stop transmission early (WHO).
Interventions
- Mass measles vaccination campaigns to protect children under five in Myanmar.
- Routine introduction and use of a second dose of measles vaccine to close immunity gaps.
- Strengthened surveillance and outbreak detection recommended by WHO for rapid response.
What Works
- Achieving and sustaining at least 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine, which WHO identifies as the standard needed to prevent outbreaks.
- Rapid vaccination campaigns targeting under-immunized children, especially in high-risk and displaced populations.
- Early case detection and contact tracing, supported by strong surveillance in public and private health facilities.
How to Help
- Donate to humanitarian and health organizations supporting vaccination and outbreak response in Myanmar.
- Support NGOs working in conflict-affected and displaced communities to expand access to clinics and immunization.
- Advocate for funding and humanitarian access so vaccination teams can reach remote and insecure areas.
Make an Impact
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Verified Organizations
Organizations Helping(4)
In the Horn of Africa, UNICEF responds to crop-failure-driven hunger by treating severe acute malnutrition, scaling emergency nutrition services, and reducing disease risks that worsen child hunger. It procures and delivers Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), supports safe water and sanitation, and strengthens primary health care and immunization so children can survive and recover during climate-driven food crises.
Gavi supports the mpox response by financing vaccine procurement and delivery for affected African countries, helping governments access doses that would otherwise be unaffordable or slow to procure. It also works with partners to strengthen immunization systems, cold-chain logistics, and rollout planning so vaccines can be deployed quickly in outbreak settings.
The partnership supports measles elimination by advocating for large-scale vaccination campaigns, documenting campaign execution, and sharing operational lessons for reaching children missed by routine services. In Myanmar, it highlighted nationwide measles campaigns that vaccinated millions of young children and stressed the importance of adding a second routine dose to prevent future outbreaks.
CDC supports Myanmar through public health collaboration that strengthens outbreak detection, investigation, and response capacity. Its work includes field epidemiology training, surveillance improvements, laboratory capacity, and partnership with the Ministry of Health to better identify and control infectious disease outbreaks, including vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.
