AFRICA. Zimbabwe: More than 157 unvaccinated children have died as a result of a measles outbreak in eastern Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe.
Local news media reliably reported that parents of the deceased children have refused to present their wards for vaccination because of ancestral and religious beliefs.
According to the country’s Information Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, the outbreak, which was first reported in the eastern Manicaland Province around early April this year, has affected about 2,056 persons as it has spread to other parts of the country.
Mutsvangwa further stated that the Zimbabwe government, as a matter of urgency, implemented a law in response to the outbreak to curtail its further spread.
“The government is embarking on a mass vaccination campaign targeting children aged between 6 months and 15 years old and is engaging traditional and faith leaders to support the drive,” Mutsvangwa said.
“Even at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the Zimbabwe government has continued to support the drive for vaccination and has been hampered by religious groups that preach against vaccines. The Christian sects are against modern medicine and tell their members to rely on self-proclaimed prophets for healing,” she added.
The above beliefs have continued to pose obstacles in a time of vaccination and it has contributed to the spread of measles in the country, Mutsvangwa has said.
Signs And Symptoms Of Measles
Measles which is spread through the air is one of the most dangerous and most spread diseases in the world.
Symptoms include coughing, sneezing or close contact, fever, and a skin rash, while the risk of severe measles or dying from complications is high among unvaccinated children.
Mutsvangwa said that outbreaks in unvaccinated and malnourished populations killed thousands. Scientists estimate that over 90 per cent of the population needs to be immunized to prevent measles outbreaks.
The World Health Organisation in April warned of an increase in measles in vulnerable countries because of a disruption of services because of COVID-19. In July, UNICEF said about 25 million children worldwide have missed out on routine immunisations against common childhood diseases, calling it a “red alert” for child health.
Also Read: https://www.transcontinentaltimes.com/2022/07/27/19-origins-to-animal-mar/
