By Agbeni Nelly Opeyemi.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on a significant upsurge in measles cases globally. The latest figures show a substantial 20% increase compared to the same period last year, prompting concerns about the spread of this highly contagious disease.
The WHO attributes the rise in cases to a combination of factors, including outbreaks in countries with low vaccination rates and disruptions to healthcare services due to ongoing conflicts. The organization is urging countries to intensify their vaccination efforts to combat the resurgence of measles.
Measles is a serious viral disease that can have severe complications, particularly among young children. The WHO estimates that over 200,000 cases were reported worldwide in the first quarter of this year, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to protect public health.
To combat the spread of measles, the WHO is working closely with countries to strengthen their immunization programs and respond to outbreaks. The organization is also seeking increased funding to support global efforts to eliminate measles.
The resurgence of measles serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and robust public health infrastructure to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.