Measles outbreak amidst COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: grappling with looming crises

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and measles are major threats to the health and wellbeing of Africans. Measles is an endemic disease in Africa with a high mortality rate especially in children despite available vaccines. This letter aims to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on...

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Autores principales: Abdullahi Tunde Aborode, Abdulhammed Opeyemi Babatunde, Bright-Agbonze Samuel Osayomwanbor, Emmanuel Adebowale Fajemisin, Oko Christian Inya, Olayinka Olajiga, Anthony Chinonso Uwandu-Uzoma
Formato: article
Lenguaje:EN
Publicado: BMC 2021
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Acceso en línea:https://doaj.org/article/58209b3cc48c440783d743e96cff24b7
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Sumario:Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and measles are major threats to the health and wellbeing of Africans. Measles is an endemic disease in Africa with a high mortality rate especially in children despite available vaccines. This letter aims to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prevention and management of measles in Africa. The emergence of COVID-19 has exacerbated the morbidities of measles due to multi-factors like the disruption of mass measles routine vaccination, a monopolistic focus on COVID-19 eradication, malnutrition, and poor surveillance. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic and looming measles epidemic pose a double burden on the African health sector. We recommend urgent interventions from government and other stakeholders including community leaders to strengthen measles research and vaccination programs in Africa amidst the pandemic.