Contacted by “Le Matin”, Dr. Tayeb Hamdiphysician researcher in health policies and systems, confirms the increase in measles cases in several regions of Morocco and calls for urgent action to avoid a deterioration of the situation, with human losses as a result. “The situation is becoming more and more worrying and it risks deteriorating in the months to come if serious measures are not put in place,” he warns. It should be recalled that the Ministry of Health and Social Protection had, last March, published a press release drawing attention to the significant increase in cases and emphasizing that measures had been taken to manage the situation. The ministry also specified that this resurgence observed in Morocco was part of a broader global phenomenon, particularly in Europe, Africa and the United States.
The causes and consequences of the resurgence of measles
Dr Hamdi identifies several factors that have contributed to this increase in cases. The first is the decline in vaccination coveragean issue which was already raised by the ministry in its press release last March. In fact, the ministry had noted a decrease in vaccination requestthus leading to a weakening of coverage. Although awareness campaigns were put in place immediately afterwards to alleviate this problem, the results obtained did not meet expectations. According to Dr. Hamdi, this is largely explained by a second factor: the decline in vigilance of families. “Many families, unfortunately, do not understand the seriousness of the situation or the danger that the disease represents,” he emphasizes. The doctor emphasizes in this regard that the measles is not a benign disease and its high degree of contagiousness makes it difficult to manage. “A sick child can infect between 16 and 20 other people,” he explains. And to specify that when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even speaks, they release droplets containing the virus, which spreads very quickly. Asked about the symptoms to look out for, Dr Hamdi cites: high fever, runny nose, red eyes, cough and rash. “You should also know that the disease can cause serious complications, including severe respiratory infections, neurological disorders such as encephalitis, and even vision problems leading to blindness,” he warns.
Communication and vaccination: essential answers
«L’herd immunity via vaccination is our best defense against the spread of measles,” said Dr Hamdi before specifying that this immunity can only be acquired if we manage to achieve vaccination coverage of at least 95% at the national level. “It is therefore essential that each child receives two doses of the vaccine: the first at 9 months, followed by a booster a few months later, to guarantee effective protection,” he notes. The doctor wishes to clarify that the role of the vaccine is not limited to the prevention of the disease, but extends to the protection of the population as a whole against the outbreak of measles outbreaks. Dr Hamdi also thinks that we need to strengthen efforts in terms of local communication to raise awareness among the population, particularly in rural and remote areas, about the seriousness of the disease and the urgency of vaccination. He therefore calls for a general mobilization of health actors and families, to avoid tragedies. “The management of the Covid-19 crisis has shown that it is together that we can overcome such an ordeal. The situation can only be brought under control if all stakeholders – local authorities, health professionals and citizens – mobilize together,” he insists. Measles therefore represents a serious threat to public health, and each day without significant action increases the risk of serious complications. The future of our children and the preservation of public health depend on our commitments.
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