Since February, Malawi has faced its biggest measles epidemic in 13 years. Together with the country’s health authorities, MSF teams are providing care to measles patients and have launched vaccination campaigns for more than 2.5 million children.
MSF staff transport "cold chain" supplies for the mass vacination campaign in Malawi. May 2010.
Photo by Nabila Kram
According to Malawi’s official figures, more than 9,000 have fallen ill to date and 44 have died. The measles epidemic threshold has been surpassed in 23 of the country’s 28 districts, and measles cases are continuing to affect new areas.
MSF national staff with megaphone at an MSF immunisation site. May 2010. Photo by Nabila Kram
MSF teams have decided thus far to focus their efforts on the six districts with the highest attack rate – number of new cases observed for a determined period and population. These districts are Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Lilongwe, Mangochi, Mzimba and Thyolo.
MSF medical staff prepare vaccinations. May 2010. Photo by Nabila Kram
In order to prevent further worsening of the epidemic, MSF together with the Ministry of Health launched several mass vaccination campaigns. Between 3rd and 18th May, MSF teams vaccinated 1.1 million children aged between six months and 15 years throughout Blantyre, Mzimba and Chiradzulu districts.
Malawi children between the ages of 6 months and 15 years wait to be vaccinated against measles. May 2010.
Photo by Nabila Kam
On the very first day in Blantyre, more than 50 000 people were vaccinated, each vaccination team dealing on average with 1 500 children per day.
A young girl is vaccinated as her siblings look on. May 2010. Photo by Nabila Kram
Since 10th May, MSF has been carrying out another vaccination campaign in Thyolo district. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, MSF teams are expected to immunize 285 000 children in Thyolo.
A young child receives his measles vaccination. May 2010. Photo by Nabila Kram
Malawi is not the only southern African country to be hit by measles. Over the last few months, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe have recorded an increase in measles cases among their populations.
Click here for more information on the measles epidemic
Measles is a major cause of death for children and adolescents throughout the world. The disease may cause serious side-effects and increases the risk of malnutrition.