Richard Kartomo, manager at the National Immunization Program (NIP), explained that the immunization coverage has dropped since the COVID-19 period. He seems it wise to pick up the pace given the recent measles outbreaks in the world. The World Health Organization  (WHO) has repeatedly urged countries to do more against measles outbreaks. In March the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)  issued an epidemiological alert due to an increase in measles cases in several countries in the Americas.

Although the region was reverified as measles-free in 2024, measles remains a threat due to its continued circulation in other regions of the world, which increases the risk of importation through travelers, and the existence of unimmunized population groups that continue to be vulnerable. Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease caused by measles virus.

Kartomo assured the nation that he is closely monitoring the developments surrounding the measles outbreaks. “There is a chance that Suriname will also be hit by such an outbreak. That is why people and in particular parents must be made aware why they must stick to the vaccination schedule of their child,” said the NIP manager.