The Interruption of Administering Routine Measles Vaccine in Nepal: A Point of Contention During and Post the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic?
Keywords:
Coronavirus disease 2019, Infectious disease, Measles, Nepal, Southeast Asia region, Vaccine, World HealthOrganization
Abstract
The interruption of administering routine measles vaccinations has put a significant strain on Nepal’s already overburdened
health system. Over five significant measles outbreaks have occurred in Nepal since the country’s nationwide lockdown began,
including in Kathmandu, the Capital. The interruption of immunization programs, as well as a drop in the number of confirmed
cases, may have a devastating effect in the coming days, placing the target of eliminating measles by 2023 in jeopardy. In this
review, we weigh the long-term impact on public health and consequences of disrupting the national immunization program
against staying at home to flatten the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surge curve. We speculate that during and post
the COVID-19 pandemic; the measles endemic is imminent, particularly due to socioeconomic gaps and unhygienic measures.
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Published
2021-10-01
Section
Original Articles
Publisher: 