Covid immunisation gaps: Over 500,000 children are at risk in Africa

Immnisation

Routine immunisation has resulted in diseases like measles being drastically reduced. 

Photo credit: Laszlo Mates/Shutterstock

What you need to know:

  • Unicef and the WHO have warned of the heightened risk for measles outbreaks, given widening immunisation gaps.
  • Currently, Zimbabwe is contending with a devastating measles outbreak. Within five months, there have been 6,551 confirmed measles cases and 704 related deaths.
  • These emerging outbreaks are a matter of great concern. They call for urgent and sustained public health interventions.