Eswatini’s nationwide Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign reached 87% coverage, marking a milestone in the kingdom’s ongoing efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases and strengthen child health. The two-week campaign, conducted in August 2025, was rolled out across all four regions, extending from urban centers to peri-urban neighborhoods and hard-to-reach rural areas. Children aged 9 months to 5 years received the MR vaccine, while those aged 0 to 5 years were offered the Polio vaccine. In addition, Vitamin A supplementation and Albendazole deworming were provided, forming a comprehensive package designed to boost immunity and improve overall child health.
The campaign’s success was driven largely by robust community mobilization that began two weeks ahead of activities. Health workers, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), launched a media sensitization campaign to equip the media with accurate information and to foster strong partnerships for disseminating messages across various platforms. Collaborations with Rural Health Motivators (RHMs) and local leaders were crucial in ensuring widespread awareness throughout all Chiefdoms, facilitating trust and participation at every level.
“We were informed by health workers two weeks before the campaign and urged to inform parents,” said Samukelisiwe Ndlangamandla, a Rural Health Motivator from Mabhensane in the Lubombo region. “We used standing community meetings to spread the word. We always take such initiatives seriously,” she added. The outreach resonated with parents and caregivers, who turned out in large numbers to bring their children to vaccination sites and to take advantage of the additional health services offered.
At the official campaign launch, WHO Representative Dr. Susan Tembo underscored the importance of immunization in safeguarding children’s futures. “Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humanity. Yet, it is entirely preventable through safe and effective vaccination,” she stated. “This campaign reflects our collective commitment to protecting every child in cities, rural communities, and hard-to-reach populations.”
Beyond immediate vaccination, the effort strengthened routine immunization, improved data quality, and enhanced surveillance systems, all of which contribute to a more resilient health system.
As Eswatini celebrates this achievement, WHO emphasizes the need for sustained collaboration among policymakers, health workers, traditional leaders, and parents to reach every child and ensure no one is left behind. The campaign stands as a testament to what can be achieved through coordinated community engagement and leadership in public health.