Contributed by For Child Health:
When it comes to vaccine preventable diseases, myth often over shadows fact in India.
Right from anti-vaccination campaigns to superstitious rituals, the hurdles to reaching the goal of complete immunisation are never ending. While government and independent agencies are trying to bridge the gap in accessibility, it is the lack of information that leads to these efforts falling short.
It is high time to end this trend of ignorance that is costing thousands of lives every year.
Here's seven facts about measles that these gifs will never let you forget!
1. Measles is not ‘just a rash’
Measles is one of the leading causes of death among children across the world. Measles claimed close to 90,000 lives in 2016, according to the World Health Organization – most of which were if children under the age of 5 years. Measles can also weaken the immune system putting children at risk for future illness including diarrhea and pneumonia.
2. Measles is highly infectious
Measles is highly infectious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, or other close contact with someone who is infected. Even a few cases of measles can lead to an epidemic. In fact, before the measles vaccine was introduced and widespread vaccination became common, there were measles epidemics every two to three years!
3. Thanks to the measles vaccine, measles today is at an all-time low!
The measles vaccine has been in use since the 1960s. Since 2000, measles deaths worldwide have decreased by 84%, all thanks to widespread use of the measles vaccine. However, measles continues to affects many countries, especially in Asia and Africa.
4. India is aiming to eliminate measles by 2020
India is all onboard as a a participant in the World Health Organization (WHO)’s plan to eliminate measles in five WHO regions by 2020.
5. India recently introduced the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine
Measles vaccine has been part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) since 1985. But in February 2017, India introduced the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine that provides protection against both measles and rubella. Rubella is a viral disease that can result in congenital birth defects in children if mothers are infected during pregnancy. Alongside measles elimination, India also plans to control rubella infections by 2020!
6. India launched the largest Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the world in 2017
The MR campaign aims to immunize around 41 crore children across the country, targeting children aged from 9 months to 15 years of age. The wide age group ensures that those who have not been previously immunized against measles and rubella are also vaccinated during this drive.
7. Over 7 crore children in India have already been vaccinated across several states
Five states—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh — have achieved 100% immunization MR coverage, thanks to the dedication of frontline health workers who delivered the vaccine to the remotest corners of these states.
Read More: We Eradicated Smallpox. Why Do Other Preventable Diseases Persist?
Today, the measles-rubella vaccine is saving lives, reducing disease, and improving health In India and the world. Raising awareness and increasing access is the first step. Together, we can eliminate measles and make sure that no more kids die from this disease.
Global Citizen India and For Child Health support UN Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring healthy lives and well being of all people. Take action here with Global Citizen and For Child Health to make sure everyone can get the health services they need no matter who they are, where they live, or what their income.
For Child Health is a platform to promote every child's right to a healthy and happy childhood by increasing awareness about vaccines in India. It is supported by Global Health Strategies, which works on a number of pressing public health issues in India and internationally.