Morocco is experiencing a severe measles outbreak linked to declining vaccination rates influenced by global anti-vax sentiments. Authorities have ramped up vaccination efforts and awareness campaigns to combat the epidemic. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in achieving adequate immunization coverage, evidencing the impact of misinformation on public health.
Moroccan authorities have intensified vaccination efforts against measles following a significant outbreak described as having historic proportions, which has resulted in 120 fatalities. The government attributes this resurgence to a global anti-vaccine movement exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to decreased vaccination rates.
In the coastal town of Harhoura, children like 13-year-old Salma and her brother Souhail wait at a public clinic for their second measles vaccination. Their grandmother, Rabia Maknouni, recounted how a school campaign highlighted the family’s missed vaccine doses, leading to concern among their parents due to the outbreak.
Measles, a highly contagious illness, spreads easily through respiratory droplets and can remain airborne for up to two hours. Symptoms include fever, respiratory issues, and a rash, and it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and death. Despite the proven efficacy of vaccines in preventing measles, immunization rates have declined, driven primarily by misinformation that has proliferated since the pandemic began.
To combat the outbreak, Moroccan officials have checked the immunization records of over 10 million schoolchildren since October. According to Mourad Mrabet, an official at the National Centre for Public Health Emergencies, more than 25,000 measles cases and 120 deaths have been documented since the outbreak began. The situation has prompted concern from France, which has been advised to monitor vaccination statuses before visiting Morocco.
Authorities report a gradual decline in new infections, but they remain committed to expanding their vaccination campaign until late March to achieve 95-percent coverage necessary for herd immunity. However, there remains a significant gap, with only about 50 percent of those needing booster shots having received them as of early March.
Government spokesman Mustapha Baitas has attributed decreased vaccination rates to misinformation creating public fears, which Mrabet specifically linked to the influence of the global anti-vax movement. Examples from the United States demonstrate how distrust in public health has led to declining vaccination rates, with fatalities occurring during recent outbreaks.
Moroccan health officials are actively launching awareness initiatives, particularly in schools, to clarify vaccination’s significance. According to Imane El Kohen, head of health programs in the education ministry, misleading claims about the measles vaccine being an additional Covid dose have circulated. For frontline staff like nurse Hasna Anouar, addressing vaccine hesitancy involves engaging parents in conversations about the necessity of vaccinations for their children. Health rights activist Ali Lotfi highlighted that lockdowns and fears of hospitals contributed to the decline in vaccination rates, compounded by inadequate follow-up from the health ministry.
The Moroccan health authorities are facing a substantial challenge in combating a measles outbreak fueled by vaccine hesitancy linked to misinformation, particularly during the pandemic. They have undertaken significant steps to enhance vaccination campaigns and awareness efforts amidst rising cases and fatalities. However, achieving desired immunization levels remains a struggle, demonstrating the critical need for continued public health initiatives and education regarding the importance of vaccines.
Original Source: www.france24.com
