Health authorities detect measles outbreak in Cabo Delgado

Maputo, 13 Sep (AIM) – The Mozambican Health authorities have detected outbreaks of measles in four districts of the northern province of Cabo Delgado, warning that the outbreaks have been worsening over the last two months.

According to Edson Fernando, Chief Medical Officer in Cabo Delgado, the districts that have reported the disease are Ancuabe, Chiúre, Namuno and Montepuez, with a cumulative total of 340 cases, 68 of which required hospitalization.

He said that the rise in cases of measles in Cabo Delgado is a result of the inaccessibility of health facilities in some communities, especially in those regions where the Islamist terrorists have been launching attacks. This has led to many children not being vaccinated.

“In order to contain the outbreak, a vaccination campaign will be carried out from 16 to 22 September, with the aim of reaching 1.7 million children between the ages of 9 and 14”, he said, cited in the independent newsheet “Carta de Moçambique.”

He explained that all the logistical conditions are in place to ensure that most of the target group is reached. “More than 1,000 mobile and fixed teams will also be set up to guarantee the vaccination campaign”, he added.

There are reports that Macomia district has also recorded cases of measles, and the situation is deteriorating due to the lack of medication at the local health facilities.

(AIM)

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