MSF’s Response to Global Vaccination Needs
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) believes vaccines are essential for health. We work hard to tackle outbreaks, boost routine immunizations in our children’s programs, and support research to improve vaccine use. Our goal is to make vaccines affordable and suitable for tropical climates and resource-poor areas.
Sudan
The war in Sudan has caused a major humanitarian crisis, displacing over 9 million people and severely limiting access to healthcare. From June to October 2024, MSF vaccinated nearly 10,000 children against measles in central Darfur after a significant outbreak. This was vital after more than 1,000 children fell ill, most of them under five.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia faces a growing malaria crisis, with over 7.3 million cases reported in 2024, almost double from the previous year. Insecurity and lack of healthcare access have made people in the Oromia region, which holds half the cases, very vulnerable.
MSF is dedicated to preventing and treating malaria in the most affected communities, including refugees and internally displaced individuals. Recently, we held a vaccination campaign with the Ministry of Health, giving three doses of the R21 measles vaccine to 2,750 children, with a booster planned after 12 months.
South Sudan
In South Sudan, we completed a vaccination and treatment initiative in Twic County that significantly lowered malaria cases, especially among children. By the end of October 2024, we helped 18,700 children.
Malaria is a top health threat for children in South Sudan, with outbreaks every year fueled by floods, poverty, and a weak health system. Immunization rates remain low, leading to overcrowded clinics and a continuing cycle of severe cases.
