Measles Outbreak in Morocco: Over 100 Deaths, Urgent Vaccination Drive Underway
A severe measles outbreak in Morocco has tragically claimed the lives of 107 people since October 2023, with children under twelve accounting for more than half of the fatalities, according to Health Minister Amine Tahraoui. The minister described the situation as “critical” during a recent parliamentary session.
The outbreak has resulted in 19,515 confirmed measles cases nationwide, representing a rate of 52.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Minister Tahraoui attributed the rapid spread to a significant drop in vaccination rates during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many vulnerable to infection.
“The situation is critical,” stated Minister Tahraoui. “The sharp decline in vaccination rates during and after the pandemic has allowed the disease to spread rapidly.”
In response, the Moroccan government launched a comprehensive plan focused on boosting vaccination rates to at least 95% of the population with two doses of the measles vaccine. Catch-up campaigns are targeting children who missed vaccinations, notably those born between 2020 and 2023. Moreover, efforts are underway to improve the system for rapid detection and containment of new infections.
A major vaccination campaign, initiated on October 28, 2024, and extended beyond its initial four-week timeframe, involved collaboration with the Ministries of education and the Interior. By December 20, 2024, approximately 6 million children under 18 had been screened (54.7% of the target group), with 138,000 doses of the measles and rubella vaccine administered.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Minister Tahraoui highlighted the spread of misinformation on social media as a significant obstacle to the vaccination campaign’s success. Underreporting in remote areas further complicates the situation, and low herd immunity due to insufficient vaccination coverage exacerbates the problem. The minister emphasized the growing global concern over measles due to declining vaccination rates worldwide.
The situation in Morocco underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases. The impact on children highlights the need for continued public health initiatives and accurate data dissemination to combat misinformation and ensure community-wide protection.
