Since the start of 2024, MSF teams in Rokero, Central Darfur, Sudan observed a surge in measles cases among children. Measles is particularly dangerous in settings like Rokero, where limited access to healthcare and the collapse of health services leaves children vulnerable to severe complications, including pneumonia and malnutrition. Malnourished children are at higher risk of contracting measles, and the infection further weakens their immune systems, increasing the likelihood of life-threatening outcomes.

Security constraints, people´s ability to reach facilities, and the absence of local health authorities in Rokero exacerbate this crisis, delaying access to care. Supply chain challenges also pose significant hurdles. Limited availability of vaccines, food supplements, and essential medical supplies—compounded by bureaucratic delays and procedural barriers to UN supply deliveries—has stretched MSF resources.

In response, in collaboration with the health authorities MSF launched a vaccination campaign to immunize 9,634 children. Vaccinating against measles is critical not only to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease but also to protect children whose weakened immune systems make them especially vulnerable.