Morocco’s Efforts Against Measles Outbreak Amidst Vaccine Misinformation
Morocco is battling a measles outbreak linked to falling vaccination rates due to misinformation. Efforts are underway to increase immunization among schoolchildren, with over 10 million checked recently. Despite declining cases, challenges persist in achieving adequate vaccination coverage for herd immunity. Health officials are actively tackling misinformation with campaigns to promote vaccine importance.
Morocco is currently facing a resurgence of measles, a disease that had been almost eradicated in the country, attributed to declining vaccination rates fueled by misinformation. In the coastal town of Harhoura, children like 13-year-old Salma and her brother Souhail are receiving their second doses of the measles vaccine after their grandmother, Rabia Maknouni, learned of their incomplete vaccination post a school campaign.
The highly contagious measles virus spreads through respiratory droplets, causing symptoms such as fever, rash, and potentially severe complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation. Despite the efficacy of vaccines in preventing outbreaks, immunization rates have notably decreased in recent years, with hesitancy largely driven by misinformation stemming from the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In response to the outbreak, Moroccan authorities have intensified vaccination efforts. Since October, over 10 million schoolchildren have had their vaccinations checked, with reports indicating over 25,000 measles cases and 120 fatalities as of late 2023. While the infection rate is reportedly declining, health officials acknowledge that the number of vaccinations has not reached the desired 95 percent coverage needed for herd immunity.
To combat the misinformation prevalent in society, Moroccan health officials have initiated awareness campaigns in schools regarding the significance of vaccination. Health programmes head Imane El Kohen stated that one misconception wrongly associates the measles vaccine with Covid vaccine doses. Nurse Hasna Anouar highlighted a shift in parental attitudes post-Covid-19, noting increased vaccine apprehension. Activist Ali Lotfi mentioned that pandemic lockdowns and fears surrounding hospital visits contributed to the decline in vaccination, indicating a need for the health ministry to address this backlog effectively.
The resurgence of measles in Morocco is primarily due to declining vaccination rates rooted in misinformation and vaccine hesitancy exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Authorities are working diligently to counteract misinformation and improve vaccination rates, which remain crucial to controlling the outbreak and achieving herd immunity. Ongoing education and outreach efforts will be vital in restoring public confidence in immunizations to safeguard public health.
Original Source: www.nbcrightnow.com
