Published Date: 2010-05-24 15:25:15
Subject: PRO/EAFR> Measles - Africa (19)
Archive Number: 20100524.207547

MEASLES - AFRICA (19)
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Date: Sat 22 May 2010
Source: Theundergroundsite.com [edited]
http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2010/05/lack-of-finances-political-commitment-blamed-for-measles-outbreak-in-africa-12242/print/

Decreased financial and political commitment was blamed recently for
the rash of measles outbreaks in 30 African countries. If the trend
continues, by 2012 some 500 000 may die from measles, reversing the
gains of the last 18 years that were made against the disease,
according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Severe measles can
incur complications such as blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea
and dehydration, ear infections or severe respiratory infections such
as pneumonia.

Measles deaths among children under 5 years old fell to 118 000 in
2008 from 733 000 in 2000. The disease tends to occur among poorly
nourished young children with the most severe complications,
according to Reuters. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the
African countries that had the largest outbreaks are Zimbabwe, Chad
and Nigeria. WHO expert Peter Strebel said the World Health
Assembly's 193 member states in their annual meeting in Geneva last
Thursday [20 May 2010] decided to aim for at least 90 percent measles
vaccination coverage nationally by 2015, Reuters reported.

However, these goals, while achievable, require a long and determined
commitment by the states themselves. Strebel said the assembly will
also aim for 80 percent coverage in every district and to reduce
measles to less than 5 per million population, Voice of America said.
They also strive to reduce measles mortality by 95 percent compared
to 2000 levels. It costs less than USD 1.00 to vaccinate a child
against measles, but 2 doses are required for full protection,
according to Voice of America.

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[This report highlights the value of political commitment in ensuring
successful public health campaigns. It is vital that this issue has
been raised during the just concluded World Health Assembly, which is
attended by all the Ministers of Health from the 193 Members States.
The Ministers of health should now be able to strive to list measles
on national agendas so as to avoid a reversal of the gains made in
recent years.

A map showing the countries in Africa can be seen at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Countries_of_Africa. - Mod.JFW]

See Also

Measles - Africa (18): Malawi 20100511.207265
Measles - Africa (17): Zimbabwe 20100508.207208
Measles - Africa (16): Zimbabwe 20100501.207073
Measles - Africa (15): Mauritania 20100428.207022
Measles - Africa (14): Malawi 20100422.206898
Measles - Africa (13): South Africa 20100421.206879
Measles - Africa (12): Zimbabwe 20100416.206801
Measles - Zambia: (Lusaka) 20100414.206758
Measles - South Africa (13): (Western Cape) 20100411.206683
Measles - South Africa (12): (Western Cape) 20100401.206472
Measles - Zimbabwe (04): Bulawayo 20100323.206287

[Additional background information on measles is available from the
general ProMED-mail list. The postings below can be found at
http://www.promedmail.org. - Mod.JFW

[Measles, nosocomial - Slovenia (02), ex Ireland 20100521.1691
Measles, nosocomial - Slovenia, ex Ireland 20100520.1674
Measles - Russia: (AM), ex China 20100508.1503
Measles - Yemen: (SA) 20100503.1440
Measles - Poland: Roma population, 2008-2009 20100430.1408
Measles - Spain: (MU) 20100429.1380
Measles - Africa (14): West, Central 20100424.1333
..................................................jfw/msp/be

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From promed-eafr-bounces@promedmail.org Mon May 24 15:32:35 2010