The Ministry of Health (MOH), represented by the Directorate General for Diseases Surveillance & Control (DGDSC) conducted today (Tuesday) a preparatory meeting for the second phase of the National Measles Immunization Campaign that will start from 10th to 16th of September 2017. The campaign includes the Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Saif al-Abri, DGDSC Director General with attending of number of senior officials from the Ministry, the Directorates General of Health Services in the Governorates, the regional hospitals, as well as representatives from the civil and military health institutions.

Dr. Saif welcomed in his speech the attendance and praised the efforts of the health workers in the first phase. He also clarified that the target group to take this vaccine is among 20 to 35 years. He added that the serological study showed that there is a percentage in this age group did not take this vaccine, as well as did not take mumps and rubella vaccines.

The meeting also included a presentation on Dhofar 1st phase measles campaign experience included efforts and challenges during the campaign. Bader Al-Rawahi, head of vaccination section, talked about the Micro plan of the campaign, as well as the national sub-committees that have been formed in all Governorates in order to follow-up and supervise the progress of the campaign, and identifying the committee's roles during the campaign. The meeting also reviewed the achievements of the first phase of the campaign that covered the Governorates of Dhofar and Al-Wusta.

The Ministry extends its sincere thanks to the officials and health workers for their efforts in implementing the first phase.