The Ministry of Health (Minsa) announced on April 17 that it has distributed more than 340,000 doses of measles vaccines to the Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) in Puno. The effort aims to maintain the ongoing vaccination campaign against measles in the region.
Health officials say that ensuring a steady supply of vaccines is essential for preventing and controlling outbreaks, especially among vulnerable populations. The Diresa Puno activated safety protocols to guarantee proper storage conditions for the vaccines before they are sent to health networks across Sandia, Melgar, Chucuito, Yunguyo, El Collao, Lampa, Azángaro, Huancané and Putina. Vaccines will also be distributed through Integrated Health Networks in San Román, Puno and Carabaya before reaching local health centers.
Minsa and Diresa Puno are working with various institutions and educational centers to encourage vaccine acceptance among residents. They are also organizing mass immunization events throughout the region. Sector specialists have repeated their call for citizens to visit vaccination points and help stop the spread of measles.
A technical team from Minsa continues providing support in Puno. This group includes staff from the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Disease Control; National Institute of Health; Secretariat of Coordination of the National Health Council; General Office of Decentralized Management; as well as teams from Immunizations, Health Promotion and Communications departments.
Measles is described by authorities as a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis—sometimes resulting in death—especially among unvaccinated children. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough and conjunctivitis. Officials recommend seeking immediate care at a nearby health facility if these symptoms appear.
