High incidence of measles at the international level due to the

02:43 p

Friday, November 30, 2018

GENEVA –

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) and its partner organizations against measles, the number of measles cases worldwide has increased in 2017, with several countries experiencing a severe and prolonged epidemic due to gaps in immunization coverage.

The WHO pointed out that – because of gaps in immunization coverage – the measles epidemic in all regions and deaths related to the disease of about 110 000 cases.

Measles immunization has saved more than 21 million people since 2000. "However, the number of reported cases has increased by more than 30% globally in early 2016," the report says.

The Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Europe recorded the highest number of cases during the past year (2017), while the Western Pacific region was the only one where 39, incidence of measles decreased.

Dr Sumaya Swaminathan, Deputy Director-General of WHO Programs, said the re-emergence of measles was a matter of grave concern, with widespread epidemic outbreaks in all regions, particularly in countries that had managed to or were about to eradicate it.

Swaminathan warned that without urgent efforts to increase immunization coverage and identify populations with an unacceptable number of vaccinated children, there is a risk of losing decades of progress in protecting children and communities from this devastating disease and totally avoidable.

Measles is considered a serious and infectious disease and can lead to debilitating or life-threatening complications, including encephalitis, severe diarrhea, dryness, pneumonia, ear infections and permanent blindness. Malnutrition and weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable to complications and death.

In the report, health organizations called for continued investment in immunization systems, in addition to efforts to strengthen routine immunization services, especially those targeting the poorest and most marginalized communities, including women and men. people affected by the conflict and displaced persons.

He also called for measures to generate broad public support for immunization while combating misinformation in existing vaccines.