Measles Outbreak in Adamawa, Nigeria: The Battle Against Vaccine Inequality and Disruptions

Nearly 200 suspected measles cases have resulted in at least 42 deaths in Nigeria’s northeastern state of Adamawa in just over a week, according to the state’s health commissioner Felix Tangwami. The outbreak has primarily affected two local government areas, where field teams are working tirelessly to contain the situation by administering measles vaccines.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects children under the age of five. It can be prevented with two doses of vaccine. Early symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and rashes all over the body. Since 2000, more than 50 million measles deaths have been prevented through immunization efforts worldwide.

Insecurity in many northern Nigerian states, including attacks by Boko Haram since 2009 and criminal gang activities, has disrupted vaccination campaigns and left children vulnerable to diseases like measles. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria has exacerbated these challenges. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the healthcare system and vaccination programs in parts of the country. Doctors Without Borders reported difficulties in achieving the necessary 95 percent vaccination rate to suppress measles, leading to an increase in cases treated last year.

MSF treated 3,965 patients between October and December in northeastern Nigeria surrounding Maiduguri, attributing the rise to challenges health workers face in reaching rural communities. The virus can spread rapidly among unvaccinated children, with one infected child potentially infecting between nine to twelve others. This highlights the importance of continued efforts to reach all children with lifesaving vaccines like measles.