Cases of measles and rubella are increasing at a dangerous rate across Yemen. Measles is an acute viral respiratory infection which, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Rubella has the same symptoms as measles caused by a different virus. Both infections are highly contagious and can live in the air for up to two hours.
Measles and rubella are considered the greatest causes of childhood mortality and congenital defects, further emphasizing the importance of vaccination against these viruses. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is given in two doses. with the first dose typically administered after reaching one year of age. Children in Yemen are becoming more susceptible to measles and rubella due to years of conflict within the country, as the ongoing humanitarian crisis has prevented its population from taking the proper steps to protect their health.
To address the country’s low vaccination rates, the WHO is working directly with the Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population to increase support and educational resources for vaccination interventions. Furthermore, the UN health agency is aiding in the distribution of vaccines, pledging to account for approximately 65% of children with both doses of the MMR vaccine. The UN also launched a measles-rubella vaccination campaign in September 2023, which aims to vaccinate 1.2 million children under the age of five.
By Maya Yorks