Prior to the nationwide drive, a series of subnational measles immunization strategies were conducted in 141 districts covering approximately three million children. Measles is a dangerous disease, with problems that can include severe diarrhea and dehydration; pneumonia, ear and eye complications; encephalitis or swelling of the brain; and death. “The benefits of vaccination are clear, since evidence shows measles vaccination saved over 23 million lives worldwide over the past 20-year period”. Financial support was given by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Measle outbreaks
WHO and the UN Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ) supported the measles campaign in Afghanistan with vaccine procurement and delivery and the development of immunization guidelines and communication materials. “The measles vaccine is safe and has been in use for more than fifty years”, the senior WHO SEEM TO official attested. In line with the data from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health Extended Programme on Immunization, the particular campaign covered 329 zones in all 34 provinces of the country – with 4, 341 vaccination teams comprised of four members on each team. “I say thanks to all the health workers, partners and donors who produced this possible”.
Half-century of protection
As of Nov, 5, 484 cases were confirmed, with approximately 300 deaths attributed to measles infections. The UN firms also helped to build the capacity of health workers to manage and implement the generate and ensure that all eligible children are protected through safe and effective vaccines for measles and polio. “It warms my heart that we were able to safeguard Afghan children from measles and polio as we enter the harsh winter season in the country”, said Luo Dapeng, the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Consultant in Afghanistan. Afghanistan has vaccinated 5. 36 million nine- to 59-month old children against measles while 6. 1 mil infants to 59-month-olds received oral polio vaccine throughout the vaccination drive held from 26 November to twelve December.
About the marketing campaign
There is absolutely no specific treatment for measles and the only reliable protection from measles is vaccination. This year, many outbreaks were reported within Afghanistan, mostly among children under age five. “While measles is highly contagious, additionally it is a preventable disease”, reminded Dr . Dapeng. “We must not lose the decades of progress we have achieved within immunizing and protecting Afghan children”.
