Due to COVID-19, Measles Outbreak in Africa Rises 400 Percent in 3 Months

The outbreak of COVID-19 in a number of countries has caused many new problems related to other diseases, especially in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the continent is starting to experience a spike in cases from the measles outbreak.

It is known, measles cases in Africa recorded more than 17,000 cases, up 400 percent from January to March 2022 compared to the same period last year.

“Two years of disruption by the coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on the provision of routine health services, with immunizations severely affected” in many countries, he said, Dr Benido Impouma, WHO expert on Africa, told a news conference. (29/4/2022).

In addition, as many as 24 countries in Africa reported outbreaks of polio in 2021 with four times as many as in 2020. Likewise, as many as 13 countries in Africa reported new outbreaks of yellow fever in 2021.

“The increasing outbreak of other vaccine-preventable diseases is a warning sign,” added WHO regional director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti.

Moeti reminded that the threat of other diseases cannot be ignored, even though the COVID-19 infection is still a pandemic until now.

“As Africa works hard to beat COVID-19 we must not forget about other health threats. Health systems can be severely overwhelmed not only by Covid-19 but also by other diseases,” he said.

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