The Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection (KOMF) has called on preschool institutions across Kosovo to strictly enforce mandatory vaccination requirements following a rise in confirmed measles cases.
According to KOMF, data from the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) show that 78 measles cases had been confirmed nationwide as of July 27, 2026.
The organization expressed particular concern over the increasing number of infections among young children. Currently, 17 children are receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), with two requiring oxygen support due to breathing difficulties. Most of the affected children are between one and two years of age.
KOMF highlighted the spread of measles in two preschool institutions, where the outbreak has primarily affected unvaccinated children.
“According to the preventive measures issued by the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, no child should be admitted to preschool or school institutions without presenting official proof of vaccination. Preschool institutions are obliged to rigorously implement all preventive measures established by the Institute,” KOMF said in a statement.
The child protection coalition urged preschool administrators to apply these measures responsibly in order to safeguard children’s health and prevent further transmission of the disease.
KOMF also appealed to parents and legal guardians to ensure that their children receive all vaccines according to Kosovo’s national immunization schedule.
“Vaccination is a legal obligation for parents and a fundamental measure for protecting the health and lives of children,” the organization emphasized.
Health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak while encouraging increased vaccination coverage to prevent further spread of one of the world’s most contagious infectious diseases.
