PAHO has outlined three essential action items for countries preparing to host or participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. First, strengthening measles surveillance systems with real-time reporting capabilities enables rapid detection of potential outbreaks. Second, verification of vaccination coverage rates across the population identifies vulnerable groups requiring immediate intervention. Third, catch-up vaccination campaigns should target populations with incomplete immunization records before the tournament begins.
These practical measures represent a coordinated public health response to mitigate risks during mass gatherings. Healthcare authorities in host countries should prioritize these recommendations now to ensure robust infrastructure before millions of international visitors arrive. Early implementation of surveillance enhancement and vaccination verification creates a protective barrier against preventable disease transmission during this major global event.
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