VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles has been certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the elimination of measles and rubella, marking a major public health achievement for the country. The certification confirms that Seychelles has interrupted endemic transmission of both diseases for at least three consecutive years and has maintained a robust surveillance system capable of rapidly detecting and responding to any imported cases.
The certification is the result of years of investment in immunisation, with the country’s two-dose measles-containing vaccine coverage consistently above 95 per cent in routine programmes and supplementary campaigns. Strong disease surveillance, supported by laboratory networks and timely reporting, has also been central to the achievement. Health officials noted that the certification reflects the commitment of nurses, doctors, public health staff, and the wider community to protecting children and families from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Department of Health welcomed the certification as a milestone for Seychelles and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining high immunisation coverage and surveillance. Officials cautioned, however, that the certification is not the end of the journey, and called on parents to continue to ensure that all children receive their scheduled vaccines. With international travel bringing constant risk of imported cases, the department said vigilance and high coverage will remain essential to keep measles and rubella at bay in Seychelles.
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