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Peru Moves Funds and Vaccines to Contain Growing Measles Outbreak

The health ministry authorized regional transfers and stepped up a national immunization drive to stop spread from low-coverage pockets that risk wider transmission.

Overview

  • The Ministry of Health approved transfers of up to S/4 million to six regional governments to strengthen local measles response, a move formalized on Saturday to speed resources to hard-hit areas.
  • National epidemiologists report 552 confirmed measles cases concentrated in Puno, Arequipa, Cusco, Tacna and Lima, with active local transmission and a high risk of expansion.
  • The government launched the 'Vacúnalos. ¡Protégelos ya!' campaign to intensify vaccination, citing vaccination as the primary prevention tool and offering free, safe doses at health centers.
  • Local gaps are driving transmission: Tacna’s under-five vaccination coverage is about 45%, two schoolchildren there tested positive and 24 suspected cases are under follow-up, while Lambayeque reported three unvaccinated minors from the same religious group.
  • Public-health officials warn that concurrent dengue and coxsackie outbreaks and large measles activity in Mexico raise cross-border risk and could strain regional health services if vaccination uptake does not improve.