Latest news with #MCV1
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Warns: Millions of African Children Still Lack Access to Life-Saving Vaccines
Despite the proven power of vaccines to save lives, over 500,000 children under five in Africa continue to die each year from preventable diseases, including measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and whooping cough—diseases that have been nearly eradicated in much of the world. Providing effective protection against these illnesses should be straightforward, yet across the continent, vaccination remains out of reach for millions. Limited domestic health funding, low trust in vaccines, political instability, and the challenge of accessing remote communities all contribute to the problem. In 2023, just 16 African countries achieved over 90% coverage for essential childhood vaccines, including the third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3), and the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV1). As a result, millions of children remain vulnerable to preventable diseases. A vial of measles vaccine, for instance, costs only USD 2.85. Yet since 2018, 28 African countries have experienced large, disruptive measles outbreaks. The number of 'zero-dose' children—those who have received no vaccines at all—rose to 7.9 million in 2023, a 16% increase from 2019. These numbers reflect the long-lasting impact of COVID-19, inequities in health access, and system-wide fragilities. Countries like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan continue to report high mortality rates from vaccine-preventable diseases due to inconsistent coverage. Recent outbreaks in Somalia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and ongoing cases of diphtheria and pertussis in Chad and Nigeria highlight the scale of the challenge. Vaccine-preventable diseases cost African countries an estimated USD 13 billion annually, placing additional strain on overstretched health systems and slowing economic progress. Yet immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective health investments, with a return on investment of up to 37 times the cost. Africa CDC, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, PATH, and other partners, is advancing the Continental Immunisation Strategy. Guided by the Addis Declaration on Immunisation and aligned with the Immunisation Agenda 2030, this strategy is building a unified, resilient, and equitable immunisation system across the continent. 'Africa currently produces less than 1% of the vaccines it uses. This is a challenge we are committed to changing,' said Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. 'Our goal is to manufacture 60% of vaccines used in Africa locally by 2040.' In 2024 alone, 25 vaccine manufacturing projects were underway on the continent, with eight antigens expected to be WHO prequalified and market-ready between 2025 and 2030. Africa CDC continues to strengthen cold chain systems, train health workers, improve data and pharmacovigilance, and mobilise vaccines for emergencies such as COVID-19 and mpox. It is also leading efforts to boost domestic resource mobilisation and develop innovative financing approaches to close persistent immunisation gaps. Africa Vaccination Week is a timely reminder that while the challenges are immense, the solutions are within reach. With renewed investment, strong political will, and regional coordination, Africa can protect its children and build a healthier, more resilient future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Sky News
13-03-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Measles cases in European region doubled last year to highest since 1997, say WHO and UNICEF
Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia doubled last year compared to 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF have warned in what is being called a "wake-up call". There were 127,350 reported infections in the region in 2024, which is the highest number since 1997. It is around a third of last year's total worldwide cases of 359,521. More than 40% of the European cases were children under five, as the two global bodies appealed for urgent action to increase vaccination levels. In 2023, half a million children across the region missed the first dose of the vaccine (MCV1) that should be given through routine immunisation services, said the organisations. Two doses of the measles vaccine are believed to be 97% effective in preventing the disease, which typically affects the respiratory system and leads to symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and a rash. More than half of the European region cases had to be treated in hospital, and 38 people died. 'Measles is back' WHO's Europe director Dr Hans Kluge said: "Measles is back, and it's a wake-up call." He added: "Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security... The measles virus never rests - and neither can we." The nation with the most infections last year was Romania which had 30,692, followed by Kazakhstan with 28,147. 0:58 Fewer than 80% of eligible children in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Romania were vaccinated with MCV1 in 2023 - which is well below the 95% coverage rate needed to prevent an outbreak. In Montenegro, fewer than 50% of children have been vaccinated against measles for at least the past five years. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the figure was less than 70%. UK officials said last month there have been more than 200 reported cases in the country and that many more were expected. Vaccination rates not back to pre-pandemic levels Measles cases in the region have generally been declining since 1997, when 216,000 were reported, reaching a low of 4,440 cases in 2016, according to the WHO and UNICEF. However, a resurgence was seen in 2018 and 2019 with 89,000 and 106,000 cases reported for those years respectively. After a drop in immunisation coverage during the COVID pandemic, cases rose significantly again in 2023 and 2024. Vaccination rates in many countries are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, increasing the risk of outbreaks. How to avoid spreading or catching measles Measles is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. A person is infectious from when they first have symptoms (around four days before the rash appears) until four days after they get the rash. There are things people can do to reduce the risk of spreading or catching measles. Do: Wash hands often with soap and warm water. Use tissues when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the bin. Don't: Do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding. Information from NHS website 'Never too late to be vaccinated' Concerns about the safety of the measles vaccine have lingered for decades, after British physician Dr Andrew Wakefield and colleagues published a paper in 1998 - which has long since been retracted - linking the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism. No evidence for any causal link has ever been found and Wakefield had his license to practise medicine in the UK revoked. "It's never too late to get vaccinated," said Ben Kaastan-Dabush, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who warned that misinformation can unfortunately travel rapidly. "Even a small decline in vaccine uptake can have devastating consequences." In the US, an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, which led to the country's first measles deaths in a decade, rose by 28 infections this week to 256. It is the first major challenge for new health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is a long-time vaccine sceptic.
