Morocco Reports Decrease in Measles Cases Amid Ongoing Vaccination Efforts

Morocco’s Ministry of Health reports a consistent decline in measles cases for five weeks, attributing this decrease to effective healthcare measures and vaccination drives. Between February 24 and March 2, cases fell by 13%, prompting an extension of the vaccination campaign until March 28. The ministry urges continued vigilance and public participation to combat measles effectively.

The Ministry of Health in Morocco has reported a continuous decline in measles cases, known locally as “Bouhmroun,” for five straight weeks. This decrease is attributed to aggressive measures aimed at curbing the viral disease’s spread. From February 24 to March 2, cases fell by 13%, totaling 2,481 confirmed cases thus far, following a 14.9% decline in the previous week when 2,863 cases were reported.

The ministry credited this improvement to the dedicated efforts of healthcare professionals across the nation, improved coordination among various stakeholders, and heightened public participation in catch-up vaccination initiatives aimed at verifying national vaccination statuses. They announced an extension of the vaccination campaign until March 28, ensuring that every family has access to critical vaccines.

Despite the encouraging reduction in cases, the ministry emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance. It highlighted the disparities in vaccination coverage across different provinces and actively encouraged citizen involvement in combating measles. Vaccination remains a pivotal strategy in preventing the disease and its related complications.

Health Minister Amine Tahraoui previously noted that Morocco had documented 19,515 Bouhmroun cases since October 2023, with 107 fatalities reported, which represents 0.55% of these cases. He pointed out that approximately half of the deaths occurred in children under the age of 12, indicating their heightened susceptibility to the disease.

The steady decline in measles cases in Morocco signifies the effectiveness of public health measures and vaccination campaigns. Continued efforts and community engagement are vital to maintain this positive trend and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children. The Ministry of Health’s proactive approach, including the extension of vaccination efforts, aims to enhance the overall vaccination coverage throughout the country.

Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com