In 2021, a record number of almost 40 million children in the world were without a measles vaccine. According to a new reportWednesday’s results showed that immunization levels have not recovered from disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The research was published jointly by the World Health OrganizationThe World Health Organization (WHO), and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) both stated that the decline in the number of cases was a significant setback in the fight against the deadly disease.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO chief) noted the irony in vaccines for COVID-19 being developed and deployed in record-breaking time. However, routine immunization programs suffered severe impacts, putting millions of people at risk.
It is crucial to get immunization programs on the right track. Every statistic in this report shows a child at-risk of contracting a preventable illness. In a statement, he stated.
The report shows that 25 million children missed their first dose, while 14.7 millions missed their second.
The majority of measles can be prevented Through vaccination.
It is highly contagious and requires that at least 95 percent of the population be vaccinated in two or more doses to establish herd immunity. This will allow for elimination.
In 2021, only 81% of children worldwide received their first dose. 71% received the second.
It was the lowest global coverage rate of the first dose since 2008.
Nigeria, India (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Ethiopia, and Indonesia had the highest percentage of infants that did not get their first dose.
The WHO has not achieved measles elimination in any of its regions. ViralIt can spread quickly across borders.
Ten countries that had measles eradicated in the past have seen outbreaks and reestablished transmission since 2016.
High levels of measles are characteristic Fever and a telltale rash – though part of what makes it so dangerous is that it can be contagious for days before the rash emerges.
Complications can be a result of a number of factors. pneumoniaswelling of the brain that can lead to permanent disability.
Between 1 and 3 in every thousand children die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
