The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed 22 measles cases in the Greater Malé Region so far this year, following the detection of two additional cases during the past week.

According to the HPA, most of the confirmed cases involve Maldivian nationals over the age of 18.

Health authorities have identified 543 contacts linked to the cases, with 173 active contacts currently under monitoring.

To help contain the spread of the disease, the HPA launched a public measles vaccination campaign today.

The first phase is targeting frontline healthcare workers and children under the age of 18 who have not completed their recommended vaccine doses.

The agency also announced that the second phase of the campaign is scheduled to begin on June 30 and will provide vaccinations for individuals under the age of 30 who have not completed their immunization schedule.

Plans are also being finalized for a third phase that will extend vaccinations to people under the age of 49.

So far, 220 identified contacts have been vaccinated, along with 1,537 frontline healthcare workers.

In addition to the vaccination campaign, the HPA said it continues to strengthen disease surveillance, provide training for healthcare professionals, and raise public awareness through television, radio, and social media as part of its efforts to prevent further transmission of measles.