Niger faces soaring measles cases amid vaccination challenges
Niger faces soaring measles cases amid vaccination challenges
Dr. François Rubona serves as the medical coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières in Niger. Since February, MSF teams have initiated vaccination campaigns across multiple regions to combat early measles outbreaks. Here’s an update on the epidemic situation on the ground.
What is the current measles epidemic situation in Niger?
This year has seen an exponential rise in measles cases compared to last year. According to Niger’s Ministry of Public Health, the first quarter of 2021 recorded 3,213 measles cases, a stark contrast to the 1,081 cases reported during the same period in 2020—nearly triple the number. By April, Niger had already recorded over 6,000 suspected measles cases. The outbreak has resulted in 15 deaths, with 27 out of 73 health districts classified as measles epidemic zones. The regions of Agadez, Dosso, and Tahoua are the hardest hit.
Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases globally and a leading cause of child mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 95% vaccination coverage rate to effectively combat the disease. However, many health centers in Niger report vaccination rates as low as 50%. In areas like Diffa, Tillabéry, and Tahoua, deteriorating security conditions—leading to population displacements—have significantly disrupted access to primary healthcare, further lowering vaccination rates. The epidemic has unfolded against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has imposed additional constraints on routine and catch-up vaccination campaigns.
What challenges are MSF teams facing?
The declaration of Covid-19 cases in Niger in March 2020 sparked widespread fear, likely causing a decline in health center visits. Consequently, fewer mothers brought their children for routine vaccinations.
The pandemic has also strained medical personnel, with health workers either testing positive for Covid-19 or being identified as close contacts, leading to staff shortages in health facilities. Medical efforts were predominantly redirected toward pandemic response, impacting preventive health activities. Additionally, importing medical supplies became increasingly difficult due to border restrictions and closures. This year, MSF has imported nearly 700,000 vaccine doses to address the measles epidemic and bolster emergency preparedness.
Over recent weeks, vaccination participation rates have remained low, partly due to confusion with Covid-19 vaccination. In areas like Niamey and Tillabéry, some communities have refused measles vaccinations. To counter this, MSF has intensified community engagement and awareness campaigns, emphasizing the severity of measles, its impact on children’s health, and the critical need for vaccination to protect children and break transmission chains.
What are the epidemic projections for the coming months?
The measles situation in Niger remains alarming, reflecting a decline in routine vaccination coverage and preventive health activities. Similar trends have been observed with meningitis, which has affected over 1,100 people in the country. If routine and catch-up vaccinations are not restored, the consequences of this decline could persist for years.
With the upcoming seasonal peaks of malaria and malnutrition, health authorities are closely monitoring trends. Last year’s malaria peak was particularly severe in both magnitude and duration, extending into January 2021—later than usual.
Combined with concerning food security and malnutrition projections for this year, the situation demands heightened vigilance, particularly in less-funded regions such as Maradi and Zinder, which are situated farther from conflict hotspots.