40 million children susceptible to measles due to COVID-19: WHO
![](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/37622E54-DEA7-4CD3-9A9E-A8AD1274EAA7.png)
Nearly 40 million children are at risk of getting measles due to disruptions in measles vaccination caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report.
The report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), published on Wednesday, states that pandemic-related disruptions caused 25 million boys and girls to miss their first dose of the measles vaccine last year, while another 14.7 million did not get the second dose.
The record decline in measles vaccination coverage represents a significant setback in global progress to combat the disease.
“The paradox of the pandemic is that while vaccines against COVID-19 were developed in record time and deployed in the largest vaccination campaign in history, routine immunisation programmes were badly disrupted, and millions of kids missed out on life-saving vaccinations against deadly diseases like measles,” Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, said.
“Getting immunisation programmes back on track is absolutely critical. Behind every statistic in this report is a child at risk of a preventable disease,” he added.
According to him, globally, there were an estimated nine million cases of measles in 2021 and 128,000 deaths.
Twenty-two countries experienced large and disruptive outbreaks, some of which have continued into this year.
Declines in vaccine coverage, weakened measles surveillance, as well as continued interruptions and delays in immunisation due to the pandemic, have made measles an imminent threat to every region of the world.
The situation is grave, the report said, as measles is one of the most contagious human viruses, though it is almost entirely preventable through vaccination.
Coverage of 95 per cent or greater of two vaccine doses is needed to create herd immunity that will protect communities.
However, global coverage rates are at their lowest levels since 2008, though they vary by country.
Currently, only 81 per cent of children are receiving their first measles-containing vaccine dose, and 71 per cent are getting their second dose.
The report warned that measles anywhere is a threat everywhere, as the virus can quickly spread throughout communities and across borders.
Furthermore, none of WHO’s six regions worldwide has achieved and sustained measles elimination.
“The record number of children under-immunised and susceptible to measles shows the profound damage immunisation systems have sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr Rochelle P. Walensky, the CDC Director, said.
“Measles outbreaks illustrate weaknesses in immunisation programmes, but public health officials can use outbreak response to identify communities at risk, understand causes of under-vaccination and help deliver locally tailored solutions to ensure vaccinations are available to all,” he said.
The report urged public health officials to accelerate and strengthen vaccination efforts now.
Coordinated action by all partners and at all levels – global, regional, national and local – is needed to prioritise efforts towards finding and immunising all unprotected children.
Investment in robust surveillance systems is also required to mitigate the risk of outbreaks.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
![](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/4FF0C198-F767-44B5-A471-D20D457BCF2B.jpeg)
Abuja
Vandalism: FCDA retrieves 700 stolen Abuja manhole covers
The FCT command of the NSCDC has been charged to protect critical infrastructures such as manholes and gully covers, cables, and street lights from vandals.
![](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/206F28C0-BFFF-43B5-BC7A-7B5AC31E2D08.png)
Hot news Home top
World Cup: Kizz Daniel thrills over 50,000 at FIFA Fan Festival
Kizz Daniel won’t be the only Nigerian act to grace the FIFA event. Compatriots Patoranking and CKay are also set to perform.
![](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/SON.png)
NationWide
SON pledges to free Nigeria from substandard products
The organisation said it had adopted 213 industrial standards to checkmate the proliferation of substandard products.
![Empty city in China](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4680.jpg)
Health
Rising COVID-19 infections paralyses cities in China
China’s health commission in Beijing reported more than 31,000 new cases nationwide on Thursday.
![Former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Former-Nigerian-President-Dr-Goodluck-Ebele-Jonathan.png)
Africa
Ex-President Jonathan tasks West African leaders on peaceful transfer of power
The former Nigerian leader said friction between incumbent presidents and their predecessors was not in the best interest of democracy.
![Anwar Ibrahim](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4679.jpg)
Politics
Anwar Ibrahim named new Malaysian PM
The new prime minister is expected to stabilise Malaysia’s government and reinvigorate the country’s economy.