Article author:
Associated Press
Farai Mutzaqa
Harare, Zimbabwe (AP) — A measles outbreak in Zimbabwe has killed 157 children. Most of them had not been vaccinated because of their family's religious beliefs. Said.
The measles outbreak was first reported in the eastern province of Manicaland in early April and has since spread to all parts of the country.
At least 2,056 cases. have been reported and virtually all of the deaths were in children who had not been vaccinated, said Minister of Information Monika Mtsvanwa.
Zimbabwe's cabinet has invoked laws used to respond to disasters to deal with the outbreak, she said.
The government has launched a mass vaccination campaign targeting children from the age of 6 months to her 15 years, and has traditionally He says he works with leaders and faith leaders.
Zimbabwe continued to vaccinate children against measles during the COVID-19 pandemic, but religious groups opposed to the vaccine have hampered the effort. Christian denominations oppose modern medicine and tell members to turn to self-proclaimed prophets for healing.
Churches reopened following relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions The rallies "led to the spread of measles to previously unaffected areas," the health ministry said in a statement last week.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world and is spread through the air primarily by coughing, sneezing or close contact. Symptoms include cough, fever and rash, but the risk of death from severe measles and complications is higher among unvaccinated children. Outbreaks in unimmunized, malnourished populations are known to kill thousands. Scientists estimate that over 90% of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent measles outbreaks.
In April the World Health Organization warned of an increase in measles in vulnerable countries as a result of disruptions to services due to COVID-19. UNICEF revealed in July that around 25 million children worldwide were not receiving routine immunizations against common childhood diseases, calling it a "child health emergency".
