Burkina Faso Initiates Measles Epidemic Response in Five Localities

OUAGADOUGOU – Burkina Faso’s health authorities launched a comprehensive response on February 16 to combat a measles outbreak that has so far infected 1,269 individuals and resulted in four fatalities across the city of Ouagadougou and four other localities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the epidemic has spread within the health districts of Ouahigouya, Dori, Boromo, Solenzo, and two districts in Ouagadougou, the nation’s capital. Dr. Hamed Sidwaya Ouédraogo, the director of population health protection, addressed the media, stating the Ministry of Health’s immediate plans to initiate an intensive vaccination drive in the affected districts starting February 26.

Furthermore, the government has confirmed plans for a large-scale vaccination campaign against measles and rubella set to take place from March 15 to 21, 2024. With an allocated budget of $6.7 million, the campaign aims to immunize over three million children aged 9 to 59 months, targeting the broader prevention of these infectious diseases within the vulnerable population segments.

This proactive health measure underscores Burkina Faso’s commitment to controlling the measles outbreak and preventing further spread of the disease among its citizens, particularly focusing on the health and safety of young children within the affected regions.