Morocco is battling a serious measles outbreak attributed to declining vaccination rates influenced by the global anti-vax movement. The government has ramped up vaccination efforts, confirming over 25,000 cases and 120 deaths. Awareness campaigns are underway to address misinformation, with a goal of achieving 95 percent vaccination coverage to ensure herd immunity.
Moroccan health authorities have intensified their vaccination efforts against measles following a major outbreak that has claimed 120 lives. The epidemic, described as reaching “historic levels,” has been attributed to the global anti-vaccination movement which gained traction during the Covid-19 pandemic. With vaccination rates declining, measles has made a resurgence, threatening public health in the region.
In Harhoura, a coastal town near Rabat, local children have been brought to public clinics for their second measles vaccine dose. Their grandmother, Rabia Maknouni, indicated that awareness from school campaigns highlighted gaps in their vaccinations, prompting a sense of urgency as they learned of the outbreak.
Measles, which spreads easily via respiratory droplets, can lead to serious health complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against the disease; however, immunization rates in Morocco have decreased due to misinformation that has proliferated since the pandemic.
In response to the outbreak, Moroccan officials have checked the immunization status of over 10 million schoolchildren since last October. Mourad Mrabet from the National Centre for Public Health Emergencies reported over 25,000 measles cases along with 120 fatalities. France, Morocco’s former colonial power, has expressed concern over the epidemic, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for travelers to the region.
Authorities have reported a decline in new infection rates recently and continue their vaccination campaign, striving for a 95-percent coverage rate needed for herd immunity. However, as of early March, only about half of individuals needing booster shots had received them. Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas attributed the ongoing vaccine hesitancy to misinformation and public fear.
To combat this misinformation, health officials have initiated awareness campaigns targeting schools to promote the importance of vaccinations. Imane El Kohen from the education ministry clarified that some misconceptions, such as the false belief that the measles vaccine serves as a Covid booster, need to be addressed. Nurse Hasna Anouar noted a notable shift in parental attitudes towards vaccinations due to the pandemic, requiring ongoing dialogue to alleviate fears and communicate the critical need for vaccines.
Health rights activist Ali Lotfi indicated that the decline in vaccination rates can also be traced back to pandemic lockdowns and fears of hospital visits. He emphasized the urgency for the health ministry to address the backlog created during that period.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
The escalating measles outbreak in Morocco has prompted an urgent response from health authorities, highlighting the dangers of declining vaccination rates exacerbated by misinformation linked to the global anti-vax movement. Efforts are being made to educate the public and improve immunization coverage amidst rising health concerns. Continuous campaigns aim to combat public fears while reinforcing the critical nature of vaccinations to ensure community health and safety.
Original Source: www.france24.com
