Sharp increase in measles cases, UN report – Belgium

(Belga) The number of measles cases around the world has skyrocketed, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, the UN children’s rights organization, reported in a report today.

In the first two months of this year, the number of cases increased by 79 percent compared to the same period last year. The reason for the sharp increase is that fewer children are being vaccinated, partly because vaccination campaigns stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic and partly because countries have funneled money elsewhere, the UN said. In addition, conflicts and wars in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia and Afghanistan have displaced millions, deprived children of vaccinations and often forced to live in crammed accommodations. In particular, if the social distancing rules introduced during the pandemic are repealed, there is a risk of large-scale outbreaks of the disease that can be fatal. (Belgium)

In the first two months of this year, the number of cases increased by 79 percent compared to the same period last year. The reason for the sharp increase is that fewer children are being vaccinated, partly because vaccination campaigns stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic and partly because countries have funneled money elsewhere, the UN said. In addition, conflicts and wars in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia and Afghanistan have displaced millions, deprived children of vaccinations and often forced to live in crammed accommodations. In particular, if the social distancing rules introduced during the pandemic are repealed, there is a risk of large-scale outbreaks of the disease that can be fatal. (Belgium)

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