Vaccine Coverage: Resurgence of Measles Outbreak in Ghana
Abdul-Mumin Amankwa *
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Nalerigu, North East Region, Ghana.
Yahaya Abdulai
Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Damongo Savannah Region, Ghana.
Kwesibea Offei
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Nalerigu, North East Region, Ghana.
Yussif Abdul Malik
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Nalerigu, North East Region, Ghana.
Yushawu Adankah Adam
Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Damongo Savannah Region, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe complications and even death, especially in young children. Children who are not vaccinated against measles are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. In the first 5 weeks of 2023, a total of 209 suspected cases were reported in 11 districts and they were all later confirmed to be positive by laboratory investigations. The low vaccination coverage rates have contributed to the recent measles outbreak in Ghana, which has had devastating consequences on children's health. The outbreak has been linked to several factors, including low immunization coverage, poor healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate disease surveillance systems. Improving vaccination coverage and strengthening surveillance and monitoring systems are critical steps in controlling and preventing the spread of measles.
Keywords: Measles, public health, viral disease, vaccine