Health officials in the disputed Abyei region launched a four-day measles vaccination campaign on Wednesday, targeting more than 17,000 children.

Abyei health minister Nyanawut Mayen Kuol told Radio Tamazuj that 6 cases were confirmed while many other suspected cases are under investigations.

Nyanawut said all children under the age of 5 will be vaccinated as they are most vulnerable to the disease.

She said the campaigns will help reduce the spread of the contagious disease and protect children against measles, one of the world’s primary causes of fatality among young children.

The health official said her ministry is working in collaboration with South Sudan health ministry and other international health partners.

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease whose initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes.