AMMAN — The
World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have
jointly issued a press release reporting 163 cases of measles across seven
governorates in Jordan. This alarming situation, as of September 27, 2023,
underscores a troubling decline in measles vaccination coverage within the
country.
اضافة اعلان
Since the advent of the
COVID-19 pandemic, Jordan has
witnessed a significant decrease in measles vaccination rates. Approximately
112,000 children under the age of five, constituting more than 60 percent of
this age group, have missed their regular doses of measles-containing vaccines.
Consequently, this drop in vaccination coverage has resulted in the outbreak of
measles in seven governorates, totaling 163 cases, Ammon News, the Jordan News
Agency, Petra reported.
Dr. Jamila Al-Raabi, the
WHO representative in Jordan,
emphasized the gravity of measles as a highly contagious and fatal disease. She
stressed that measles can be effectively prevented through vaccination,
emphasizing the need to achieve vaccination coverage rates of at least 95% with
two doses of measles vaccines to establish community immunity and protect the
population.
Philippe Duamelle,
UNICEF's representative in Jordan, echoed
the importance of vaccines in saving lives and eradicating diseases. Rebuilding
herd immunity through routine vaccination and catch-up campaigns is crucial to
safeguard children and prevent overwhelming the public health system during
outbreaks.
The MR vaccine used in these efforts is sourced from the
global market through the Indian Serum Institute (SII). In 2022, SII supplied
nearly 236 million doses of
measles-rubella (MR) vaccines worldwide,
constituting approximately 80% of the total MR vaccine volume used globally.
SII is one of just two companies prequalified by WHO to manufacture and
distribute this vaccine, with 81 Member States worldwide employing the SII MR
vaccine.
WHO's prequalification process ensures the safety and
efficacy of the vaccine, with stringent criteria covering potency,
thermostability, presentation, labeling, and shipping conditions, all subject
to regular re-evaluation, site inspections, targeted testing, and investigation
of any product complaints or adverse events following immunization.
WHO recommends the use of the measles-rubella vaccine for
outbreak response immunization in countries where rubella vaccine is part of
the routine immunization program.
Since 2021, UNICEF has procured over 436 million doses of
measles-rubella vaccine, benefiting 57 countries globally.
In response to this imminent health threat, the Ministry of
Health, with support from WHO and UNICEF, has devised a comprehensive measles
outbreak response plan, including a crucial component of supplemental
immunization activities involving the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
Both UN agencies have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment
to the Ministry of Health, aiming to support shared goals such as strengthening
the primary healthcare system, equipping healthcare workers with the necessary
resources and support, and delivering life-saving vaccines to children.
Read more National news
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
