Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.unicef.org/media/media_53399.html
Measles outbreaks threaten progress in child mortality in west and central Africa
Insufficient immunization put children at risk
Brazzaville/Dakar, 22 April 2010 ? Sixteen countries of West and Central Africa are in the throes of a measles outbreak, with 22,364 cases and 185 deaths, in the year to 28 March.
A shortfall in funding for follow-up measles campaigns of around $59 million worldwide and $16* million for Africa only puts children at risk if efforts are not sustained through an appropriate response from donors and governments. Vaccination efforts, both through campaigns and routine immunization, must be sustained and efficiently implemented.
Efforts by African governments with support of partners such as the Measles Initiative ? led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization? have resulted in a reduction of 92% of cases during 2000-2008 in the Africa region.
However, in West and Central Africa, most of the countries have immunized only about 80 percent or less of their populations through routine immunization, when the recommendation is to reach 95%. "Such a figure means they can expect to have large, sustained outbreaks every three to four years" said WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo...
Measles outbreaks threaten progress in child mortality in west and central Africa
Insufficient immunization put children at risk
Brazzaville/Dakar, 22 April 2010 ? Sixteen countries of West and Central Africa are in the throes of a measles outbreak, with 22,364 cases and 185 deaths, in the year to 28 March.
A shortfall in funding for follow-up measles campaigns of around $59 million worldwide and $16* million for Africa only puts children at risk if efforts are not sustained through an appropriate response from donors and governments. Vaccination efforts, both through campaigns and routine immunization, must be sustained and efficiently implemented.
Efforts by African governments with support of partners such as the Measles Initiative ? led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization? have resulted in a reduction of 92% of cases during 2000-2008 in the Africa region.
However, in West and Central Africa, most of the countries have immunized only about 80 percent or less of their populations through routine immunization, when the recommendation is to reach 95%. "Such a figure means they can expect to have large, sustained outbreaks every three to four years" said WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo...