The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, treated a large number of patients in Borno State, Nigeria, from October to December last year.
They helped 3,965 patients during this time, which is almost three times more than the previous year.
Many of these patients had measles, and MSF treated a total of 9,618 measles cases in the region over the span of a year.
The rise in measles cases is concerning, and MSF attributes it to several factors. These include difficulties in reaching rural communities for vaccination campaigns due to insecurity caused by the long-standing Boko Haram insurgency in the region.
Additionally, interruptions in routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged malaria seasons have contributed to lower vaccination rates.
The ongoing conflict in Northern Nigeria has led to the destruction of infrastructure and displacement of millions of people, making it challenging for healthcare workers to access affected areas.
MSF warns that unless urgent action is taken to address these issues, the humanitarian crisis in the region could worsen, with increased outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria, and meningitis.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory system. It spreads quickly and can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Doctors Without Borders is asking leaders from all over the world and within each country to make healthcare buildings and vaccination campaigns more important. This is so that people don’t get more sick in the area.
