Lessons and Challenges for Measles Control from Unexpected Large Outbreak, Malawi

Abstract

Supplementary immunization activities are crucial to reduce the number of susceptible children.

Formative Investigation of Acceptability of Typhoid Vaccine During a Typhoid Fever Outbreak in Neno District, Malawi

“…This knowledge of the purpose and an appreciation for the efficacy of vaccines was consistent across all groups of respondents and may have been related in part to the coincidental occurrence of a nationwide measles immunization campaign, which included messaging about measles vaccine and resulted in reported coverage rates 95%. 31 Respondents also recognized the difference between routine and campaign vaccination, stating that government initiatives involving vaccines during disease outbreaks signify a serious public health threat. Our findings suggest that the value attached to vaccine induces social pressure to get vaccinated, with those refusing viewed as a liability to communities.…”

Mitigating measles outbreaks in West Africa post-Ebola

“…Additional campaigns should be conducted in 1 or 2 years if coverage fails to meet the expectations. Furthermore, recent outbreaks in Malawi, Zambia and elsewhere raise concerns that future campaigns may need to target a broader age range (i.e., older children and young adults) to achieve high levels of population immunity and interrupt transmission [11].…”

Improving care-seeking for facility-based health services in a rural, resource-limited setting: Effects and potential of an mHealth project

“…While vaccine coverage in Malawi has improved, children are often vaccinated at a later age. Reasons for this include that caregivers believe children were too young to be vaccinated (Minetti et al 2013), poor recognition of danger signs and illness severity, and financial considerations limiting timely access to care (Geldsetzer et al 2014). For both the increase in coverage of vaccinations as well as the recognition of ARI, SMS services could inform caregivers about appropriate timing of vaccinations.…”