Bishkek – Kyrgyzstan has registered at least 4,098 measles cases as of November 13, with Director of the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis Gulbara Ishenapysova informing 24.kg news agency about the situation. The outbreak has predominantly affected the Jalal-Abad region, Bishkek, Osh region and city, and Chui region.

According to 24.kg News Agency, Children under 12 months who have not been vaccinated, and those between 12 months to four years who have not completed the full vaccination cycle, are the most affected. Ishenapysova reassured that there is no reason for panic, noting that the situation in Jalal-Abad is gradually stabilizing after organized interventions.

The director pointed out that similar outbreaks have occurred in neighboring countries like Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. With support from the World Health Organization, additional vaccine doses have been provided to these countries. Kyrgyzstan received vaccines in 2023 following a timely application. A total of 755,000 doses have been distributed, and a campaign for additional vaccination of children from nine months to seven years old has been underway since September 18, achieving 77 percent coverage. The campaign also includes vaccinating contact persons and is expected to continue until the end of November. Another vaccination drive is planned for January 2024, following a request submitted to the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI), with expected results from the current campaign.