2024-03-04 17:21:24
- Specialists attribute the increase in the disease to the low vaccination coverage in Venezuela
The National Academy of Medicine called on the Venezuelan Ministry of Health in the face of the increase in measles outbreaks due to the decrease in vaccination coverage in the region. This following the alert issued by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) regarding this situation.
“We urge the Ministry of Popular Power for Health (MPPS) to acquire vaccines in sufficient quantity and quality to ensure and improve vaccination coverage for our boys and girls,” detailed the National Academy of Medicine in a statement released on March 4.
The institution recalled that measles is a “highly contagious and serious” disease caused by a virus, but emphasized that there are safe and effective vaccines to prevent it.
“Between 2000 and 2018, the measles vaccine prevented 23.2 million deaths worldwide,” highlighted the National Academy of Medicine.
Statement from the National Academy of Medicine on the measles outbreak released on March 4.
Highest outbreak risk in the world
PAHO estimates in 2021 concluded that more than 1.7 million boys and girls in 28 countries and territories in the Americas did not have access to the first dose of the measles vaccine.
During the same year, regional coverage with the first dose that protects once morest measles, rubella and mumps (MMR) was 85%. However, 10 countries reported less than 80% vaccination coverage.
In Venezuela, the first dose of the vaccine reached only 68% and the second dose only reached 37% of the child population,” clarified the National Academy of Medicine, which insisted that this situation reflects the high risk that children and girls in Venezuela from becoming infected.
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What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that it can cause serious illness, complications or death.
Photo: Freepik
Risk of infections in border areas
The WHO estimates that more than 1.8 million children in the region were not vaccinated once morest measles between 2020 and 2022, according to a report published on January 23, 2024.
In addition, the organization explained that the elimination of public health restrictions and travel related to the pandemic increased the risk of cross-border contagion.
The organization explained that in many countries where measles had been declared eradicated, cases have now been recorded and there is a risk of outbreaks due to importation of the virus.
Hans Kluge, director of WHO-Europe, described this trend as a “worrying” situation and highlighted that the only way to protect children from this disease is through vaccination.
“An urgent push for vaccination is needed to stop transmission and prevent further infection. It is vital that all countries are ready to quickly detect measles outbreaks, which might jeopardize progress towards the elimination of this disease,” Kluge said.
A report prepared by the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in November 2023 noted that cases of this disease increased by 18% and deaths increased by 43% in everyone, with respect to 2021.
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