Since the start of 2023, the Kwilu province has been facing a health tragedy: a measles epidemic which has already claimed the lives of more than 120 people, the majority of them children under 5 years old. These alarming figures were recently revealed by the provincial medical coordinator of the Kwilu Expanded Immunization Program (EPI), Dr Steeve Matoma.
According to the data collected, the province has recorded more than 6,500 cases of measles since the start of the year, of which more than 4,500 concern young children. The health zones most affected by the epidemic are Mokala with 796 cases, Koshibanda with 688 cases and Bulungu with 668 cases.
This critical situation is aggravated by the nurses’ strike which is compromising efforts to fight the disease. In fact, vaccination and patient care activities are seriously disrupted. Dr Matoma therefore calls on the strikers to temporarily suspend their movement in order to allow the vaccination of children.
Unfortunately, this strike is not without consequences and would have a significant impact on the epidemic statistics. Dr. Matoma estimates that with complete data, the number of measles cases could exceed 10,000 in the province.
It is therefore essential that this strike ceases temporarily in order to save lives and stem the epidemic. The coordinating doctor of the Kwilu EPI hopes that the unionists will understand the urgency of the situation and will allow the establishment of a vaccination campaign for a period of 10 days.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be prevented through vaccination. Unfortunately, vulnerable populations, particularly children, are often neglected in vaccination campaigns, which contributes to the spread of the epidemic.
It is essential that health authorities and stakeholders act quickly to put in place effective prevention and awareness measures. Close collaboration between the different stakeholders is also necessary to stem this epidemic and protect the health of the most vulnerable populations.
The measles outbreak situation in Kwilu province highlights the crucial importance of vaccination and the availability of basic health services. By raising public awareness of the risks of the disease and ensuring equitable access to vaccination, it is possible to prevent such tragedies and protect the health of all.
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