Suriname Health Director Urges Healthcare Workers to Get Measles Vaccine

Suriname’s Director of Health, Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul, is urging healthcare workers to vaccinate against measles to prevent local outbreaks. The Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor issued the appeal as international travel increases for the World Cup and measles cases rise in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, according to official reports.

Sukul stated that healthcare employees face an increased risk of contracting the highly contagious disease. He emphasized that because the virus spreads easily, protection for medical staff is essential to safeguard both patients and the general public.

Why are healthcare workers at higher risk?

According to Gajadhar Sukul, healthcare providers are at a greater risk because they maintain daily contact with patients. This proximity increases the likelihood of both contracting the virus and transmitting it to others.

The Director of Health noted that those who have not been vaccinated and have never had the disease are particularly vulnerable. He urged all medical personnel to verify their vaccination status immediately.

Did You Know? Canada lost its official status as a measles-free country in 2025.

How is international travel impacting the risk?

The current influx of visitors for the World Cup is increasing the risk of viral spread, according to Gajadhar Sukul. Outbreaks have already been reported in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, where matches are being played.

Data cited by the Ministry shows that the United States reported more than 2,200 infections in 2025. In the first months of 2026, that number has already exceeded 1,600 cases. Mexico has also recorded thousands of infections.

Experts attribute this global resurgence to budget cuts for health programs, the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, and declining vaccination rates.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that when frontline workers lack full immunity during high-traffic international events, the healthcare system risks becoming a vector for the disease rather than a barrier against it. The stakes involve not just individual health, but the stability of the broader public health infrastructure.

What is the recommended vaccination protocol?

The BMR vaccine provides protection against mumps, measles, and rubella. According to the Ministry of Health, two doses of the BMR vaccine are required for optimal protection against measles.

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Staff members who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to receive their shots at the Bureau for Public Health Care. The Ministry maintains that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect vulnerable groups in society.

What may happen next?

The Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor expects that increasing the vaccination rate among healthcare personnel could minimize the chance of an outbreak in Suriname.

If vaccination coverage rises, the country may be better positioned to handle the continued flow of international travelers. A possible next step could involve further monitoring of those entering from regions with active outbreaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vaccine doses are needed for measles protection?
Two doses of the BMR vaccine are necessary for optimal protection, according to the Director of Health.

What other diseases does the BMR vaccine prevent?
The BMR vaccine protects against mumps, measles, and rubella.

Why is measles appearing again in countries where it was previously eradicated?
According to experts, the resurgence is due to falling vaccination rates, the aftermath of the pandemic, and cuts to health program budgets.

Do you believe current international travel trends are putting more pressure on local health systems?