Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Health is launching an emergency measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaign next week for preschool and kindergarten students, following a notification from Australia regarding a foreigner who contracted measles after visiting Indonesia. 

The initiative prioritizes regions with low coverage and high refusal rates to curb potential outbreaks, according to antaranews.com.

"We are strengthening routine immunization and conducting MR catch-up programs, particularly in areas with low coverage and those reporting outbreaks in 2025-2026," said Acting Director General Andi Saguni on Thursday (26/2/2026), as cited by.

The Ministry reported 21 suspected outbreaks across 11 provinces in early 2026, with West Sumatra and Aceh among the hardest hit. Officials are collaborating with local governments and religious leaders to overcome vaccine hesitancy. 

Medical experts warn that measles is highly infectious, posing severe risks to children and pregnant women, including pneumonia and congenital defects. The government aims to surpass 95% immunization coverage nationwide.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)