The measles outbreak has killed seven people so far, health authorities say.
The latest fatality was a six-month old baby from Western Province.
Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr Tenneth Dalipanda said to date up to 3,802 cases have been reported to the ministry.
“Cases are being reported from all 10 provinces, with increasing numbers of suspected cases being reported from Western, Malaita and Renbel provinces,” Dalipanda said.
The measles outbreak was first reported mid this year.
A national measles vaccination campaign was launched on 25 September 2014 in response to steadily increasing cases, aimed at vaccinating everyone aged 6 months to 30 years, excluding pregnant women.
Dalipanda said the ministry is now focusing on supporting Provincial Emergency Operation Centres to roll out the measles campaign in their respective provinces.
“The fight against measles is not over yet,” he said.
“There is no room for complacency. Measles is a serious disease that can cause death and disability.
“Everyone living outside Honiara aged 6 months to 30 years must get a measles vaccine from the nearest health clinic, satellite site or mobile vaccination team.
“Babies and young children are particularly at risk,” Dalinpanda added.
He said a total of 512,000 doses of measles-rubella vaccine have now arrived in the country, providing enough vaccines to cover everyone aged 6 months to 30 years in all provinces.
“Mobile teams of nurses and health promotion officers are working hard to reach communities in all 10 provinces.
“We ask parents, teachers, chiefs, youth and church leaders to join us in helping to protect the health of our people and our children.”
Dalinpanda said the ministry continues to work with WHO, UNICEF, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other partners to control the outbreak.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
