Measles, a serious viral disease, is experiencing a worrying resurgence, causing many victims among children. By 2023, more than 10 million people have been affected worldwide, and more than 100,000 children have died.
The situation is particularly worrying in Morocco, where vaccination coverage remains insufficient, which exposes the population to a strong return of this previously controlled disease. Dr Tayeb Hamdi, doctor and health policy researcher, highlights the reasons for this resurgence and the measures to be adopted to stem the spread of measles.
A worrying return of measles
Measles, an extremely contagious disease, can cause serious complications and lifelong sequelae, such as blindness or encephalitis. If the number of global cases increased by 20% in 2023 compared to 2022, it is especially children under five who pay the high price, both in terms of deaths and complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) recalls that measles remains one of the leading causes of preventable mortality among children globally.
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However, vaccination against measles remains the most effective way to prevent this disease. Vaccination coverage above 95% is necessary to prevent epidemics. However, in Morocco, no region reaches this critical threshold. According to Dr Tayeb Hamdi, “a population whose measles vaccination coverage is below 95% will experience outbreaks of epidemics on a continuous basis”.
The causes of the resurgence
Several factors explain this worrying situation. The first major cause is the drop in vaccination coverage, exacerbated by insufficiently monitored vaccination programs and poor epidemiological vigilance. Some regions of Morocco, such as Beni Mellal-Khénifra, Souss Massa and Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima, have already been affected by measles outbreaks in 2023. The reasons underlying this drop in coverage are complex and include problems of families' adherence to vaccination programs, as well as a relaxation of surveillance by health authorities.
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“The laxity of vaccination and epidemiological surveillance in the country is obvious,” underlines Dr Hamdi, who calls for a general mobilization of health professionals, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the population itself. -even to relaunch vaccination and surveillance efforts.
Actions to adopt to protect our children
To protect children and limit the spread of measles, several actions must be taken:
- Vaccinate from an early age : The first dose of measles vaccine is recommended at 9 months, followed by a second dose a few months later. Vaccination is safe, effective and the most reliable way to prevent infection.
- Vigilance for symptoms : Measles manifests itself with symptoms such as fever, runny nose, red eyes, cough, and a red rash all over the body. If a child shows these signs, it is important to seek medical attention quickly to avoid complications.
- Strengthen vaccination coverage : Catch-up campaigns must be extended to all regions to achieve a minimum vaccination coverage of 95%. It is crucial to educate parents about the importance of vaccination for public health.
- Protect at-risk groups : Children under 5 years old, adults over 30 years old, pregnant women, and people with illnesses that weaken the immune system are particularly vulnerable to measles. Particular attention must be paid to these groups to avoid serious forms and deaths.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Vaccine hesitancy, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has also contributed to the return of measles in countries that had successfully controlled it. Dr. Hamdi emphasizes that it is essential to analyze the underlying reasons for this undervaccination and to relaunch efforts in epidemiological surveillance to avoid uncontrolled spread.
The resurgence of measles cases in Morocco is an alarm signal. Vaccination remains the best way to protect children and the general population against this disease.
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