Morocco faces a serious measles outbreak, with 120 deaths reported. The government attributes the surge to the global anti-vaccine movement, exacerbated by misinformation from the Covid-19 pandemic. Authorities are intensifying vaccination campaigns, aiming for 95% coverage while acknowledging low booster rates. The outbreak raises health concerns not only in Morocco but also in France. Health officials are countering misinformation through awareness campaigns, particularly in schools, to foster public confidence in vaccinations.
Moroccan authorities are undertaking urgent measures to combat a severe measles outbreak that has led to 120 fatalities, attributing the epidemic to the influence of the global anti-vaccine movement, which has gained traction during the Covid-19 pandemic. Vaccination rates have declined in the country, reversing prior successes in measles eradication.
In the coastal town of Harhoura, children like 13-year-old Salma and her nine-year-old brother Souhail wait for their second measles vaccination. Their grandmother, Rabia Maknouni, mentioned that their parents were unaware of the incomplete vaccination status until alerted through a school campaign. “We didn’t know they hadn’t completed their vaccination,” she expressed, highlighting public anxiety about the outbreak.
Measles spreads easily through respiratory droplets and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves an area. It can cause severe complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation, with immunization being the most effective preventive measure. Unfortunately, misinformation surrounding vaccines has contributed to declining immunization rates.
In response, Moroccan authorities have intensified vaccination efforts, checking the immunization status of over 10 million schoolchildren since last October. According to Mourad Mrabet from the National Centre for Public Health Emergencies, the country has reported over 25,000 measles cases since late 2023. The epidemic has also raised alarm among public health officials in France, urging travelers to verify their vaccination status before visiting Morocco.
While recent data suggests a declining trend in new infections, Moroccan officials aim to achieve a 95-percent vaccination coverage by the end of March, crucial for herd immunity. However, the health ministry admitted that only around half of those needing a booster had received one by early March.
Government spokesman Mustapha Baitas indicated misinformation as a driving factor behind vaccine hesitancy, corroborated by Mrabet’s remarks on the global anti-vax influence. The decline in vaccination rates in the United States has also been attributed to growing mistrust in public health policies, as evidenced by recent outbreaks resulting in fatalities.
To counter this misinformation, Moroccan health officials have initiated awareness campaigns in schools to promote the importance of vaccination. Imane El Kohen, the head of health programs at the education ministry, clarified that misleading claims, such as the measles vaccine being a fourth Covid vaccine dose, have contributed to public skepticism. Nurse Hasna Anouar expressed a noticeable increase in vaccine resistance post-Covid, necessitating personalized discussions with anxious parents about the importance of immunizations.
The measles outbreak in Morocco underscores the critical need for effective vaccination campaigns amidst rising anti-vaccine sentiments exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite significant vaccination efforts, misinformation continues to impede public health goals. Authorities must persist in addressing misinformation and improving vaccination access to protect public health and ensure community safety. The situation serves as a vital reminder of the importance of vaccinations in preventing infectious diseases.
Original Source: www.france24.com
