Health authorities in Zambia are racing to contain a fresh measles outbreak, with 119 laboratory-confirmed cases flagged out of 700 suspected infections since the start of the year.

The Western Province has been hit the hardest by the spike, followed by Lusaka, North-Western, and Southern provinces.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, noted that the vast majority of confirmed cases are children who have skipped their jabs or have incomplete vaccination histories. The situation has thrown a harsh spotlight on gaps in the country’s routine immunisation coverage.

To get on top of the spread, the government has activated the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to co-ordinate resources and step up health surveillance across the worst-hit districts.

The strategy has won backing from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Dr O-Tipo Shikanga, the WHO Representative, commended the government for its transparency in openly declaring the outbreak so the public can stay informed.

–ChannelAfrica–