‘117 mn children face measles risk’- THE HINDU -15-04-2020

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United Nations has warned that around 117 million children worldwide face measles risk because countries are using their vaccine resources as they battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Currently 24 countries, including several already dealing with large measles outbreaks, have suspended widespread vaccinations, the World Health Organisation and the UN’s children’s fund UNICEF said.

While vaccination has drastically reduced global measles deaths a 73% drop between 2000-2018 worldwide measles is still common in many developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia.

Basit Aijaz Updated: Apr 15, 2020, 13:26 IST1.3K SHARES
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United Nations has warned that around 117 million children worldwide face measles risk because countries are using their vaccine resources as they battle the coronavirus pandemic.

REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE/ASM

Given the current crisis, dozens of countries are curtailing their vaccine programs and putting all their efforts in tackling the virus that has caused quite a devastation across the globe.

Currently, 24 countries, including several already dealing with large measles outbreaks, have suspended widespread vaccinations, the World Health Organisation and the UN's children's fund UNICEF said.


An additional 13 countries have had their vaccination programmes interrupted due to Covid-19.


REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE/REUTERS

In a joint statement, the Measles and Rubella Initiative (M&RI) said it was vital that immunisation capacity was retained during and after the current pandemic.

"Together, more than 117 million children...could be impacted by the suspension of scheduled immunization activities," it said.

"The M&RI supports the need to protect communities and health workers from Covid-19 through a pause of mass campaigns, where risks of the disease are high. However, this should not mean that children permanently miss out."