Nationwide measles vaccination campaign integrates other live-saving interventions — Global Issues
Notifying this news, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it has begun contacting communities to ensure smooth operation.
The United Nations health agency says measles, which is preventable, remains a major health problem in Ethiopia, with several outbreaks reported in different parts of the country.
Vaccination is planned nationwide for a total of 15.5 million young people aged 9 to 59 months, including in hard-to-reach areas affected by drought and conflict.
Integration of other interventions
In addition, and together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO are integrating in the campaign a host of other life-saving services.
Including COVID-19 booster vaccination for unvaccinated children, screening for acute malnutrition, vitamin A intake and intestinal parasite deworming.
On behalf of vaccination partners in the country, Paul Mainuka, Acting Director of the WHO Immunization, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Group in Ethiopia, congratulated the Ministry of Health on the initiative to reduce the risk of disease. measles outbreaks and end ongoing outbreaks, “thus protecting children from preventable measles illness and death”.
“It is commendable that the campaign is integrated with other life-saving interventions,” he added.
Measles reduction strategy
In Ethiopia, measles remains a major health problem with several outbreaks occurring in different parts of the country.
To address this issue, Ethiopia has adopted and started implementing key strategies to reduce the burden and move towards elimination.
Measures include increased routine and supplemental immunization, surveillance and case management.
WHO supported the campaign financially and technically, and deployed more than 100 experts for pre-, during and post-campaign activities, including quality of service monitoring.
Poor nutrition means poor health
Nutrition-related health problems are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in developing countries, including Ethiopia.
And many of the women there suffer from obstetric fistula – a devastating condition that affects the health, social and economic well-being of those affected and their families.
During the vaccination campaign, health workers also plan to help these women after childbirth and identify clubfoot in children.
These interventions will provide the opportunity to receive much-needed treatment for obstetric fistula and avoid lifelong disability for the child, as clubfoot can be corrected when detected and treated early. .
