The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS), through the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI), reported that the National Campaign against Measles and Rubella has reached 90% of the national target, protecting more than 420,000 children out of a target population of 475,573 children aged 1 to 5.
Data from the PAI's “Vaccinometer” reveals strong regional disparity. While Ñeembucú and Paraguarí achieved 100% coverage, and departments such as Alto Paraguay, Amambay, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Concepción, Cordillera, Guairá, Misiones and San Pedro widely exceeded 90%, urban and border areas show the worst rates. Asunción, Alto Paraná and Presidente Hayes register only 83% coverage, and the Central department is stagnant at 85%.
The director of the PAI, Luis Cousirat, highlighted that the ideal technical goal to ensure epidemiological blocking of the virus is to reach and exceed 95% total coverage. The campaign ends on May 29. “Each dose applied represents an opportunity for protection for children, preventing diseases that are completely preventable. The effort of the vaccinators is immense, but we need the co-responsibility of families,” said the PAI team.
To reverse the delay in critical areas, health teams have intensified door-to-door visits in peripheral neighborhoods and maintain fixed posts at health centers and squares with extended hours. Authorities reiterate that the vaccine is safe, effective and free. The official website vacunate.gov.py allows you to consult the nearest vaccination center and opening hours.