Director of the Immunization Programme Dr Salem Shneishih administers the measles vaccine to a child targeted by the campaign in Sebha municipality, Libya. Photo credit: ©NCDC LIBYA

22 July 2025, Tripoli, Libya – On 19 July, the National Centre for Disease Control in Libya (NCDC), in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), launched a subnational measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaign across 15 municipalities in southern Libya. 

The campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 180 000 children aged 9 months to 15 years, targeting communities at highest risk of disease transmission. 

The campaign has been launched amid growing concerns over a global resurgence of measles and rubella. In Southern Libya there is limited access to health care and high population mobility, making it particularly vulnerable to outbreaks. The intervention comes as part of Libya’s broader national strategy to eliminate measles in alignment with regional health goals. 

“WHO is committed to supporting NCDC and Libya’s health authorities in their efforts to eliminate measles and rubella, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach areas,” said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Libya Dr Ahmed Zouiten. “Through joint efforts with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the NCDC and local health teams, the campaign represents a vital step in preventing future outbreaks and closing immunity gaps among children.” 

WHO has provided comprehensive technical and logistical support to ensure the successful planning and execution of the campaign, including:

strengthening MR surveillance systems and enhancing laboratory diagnostic capacities;

training vaccination supervisors at the municipal level to support microplanning, implementation and real-time monitoring of supplementary immunization activities; and

providing tools and resources to improve rapid response for measles outbreak detection, verification and control. 

"The campaign stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of our children and communities, particularly in areas where access to routine health care services remains constrained," said NCDC General Director Dr Haider Elsaeh. "With steadfast support from WHO and the tireless efforts of our national and local health teams, we are embarking on a pivotal endeavour to eradicate measles and rubella, proactively mitigating the risk of future outbreaks. This initiative underscores our collective commitment to fostering a healthier and more resilient society for generations to come." 

Vaccination services are being delivered through fixed health facilities and mobile outreach teams, helping to ensure equitable access so no child is left behind. The campaign underscores the importance of community engagement in building trust and promoting vaccination uptake. 

WHO commends the dedication and efforts of national and municipal health workers and reaffirms its continued partnership with MoH and NCDC in strengthening Libya’s immunization systems and protecting children from preventable diseases. 

Media contact:

Yahya Bouzo, Communications Officer, WHO Libya Country Office.

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