Elucidating Factors Behind Suboptimal Measles Vaccination Rates in Six Countries
Golpour Parastoo, 2023
The introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 drastically reduced the global health crisis caused by measles. Despite this progress, measles remains a significant cause of childhood death in low- and middle-income countries due to low vaccination rates and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research uses a scoping review to examine measles outbreaks and vaccination responses in Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), France, Ukraine, Pakistan, and Portugal. The study covers data from 2020 to 2024 and focuses on these countries' distinct challenges influencing their vaccination efforts. The study reveals that from 2010 to 2022, measles case trends varied widely, with significant peaks in Brazil and the DRC, surges in France and Ukraine, and recurring outbreaks in Pakistan. Portugal managed to keep the incidence low. Vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19 disruptions emerged as major barriers to effective vaccination, particularly in the DRC, France, and Pakistan. The research proposes several strategies to enhance measles vaccination coverage. These include engaging local leaders, implementing community education programs, utilizing innovative vaccination methods, enforcing vaccination mandates, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure and surveillance systems. This research has a substantial social impact by presenting practical solutions to enhance global measles vaccination coverage. It focuses on tackling vaccine hesitancy and improving access through multiple strategies. Additionally, by identifying the factors (eg: wars or COVID-19) contributing to the recent rise in measles cases and outbreaks that have weakened vaccination efforts, the study offers insights into how to better manage measles vaccination in such health crises. These strategies aim to minimize the impact of such crises on childhood immunization programs. Emphasizing the need for resilient healthcare systems, the research supports the global goal of measles elimination, ultimately protecting millions of lives and advancing public health worldwide.
Promotor | Niel Hens |
Opleiding | Global Health |