What is the current status of the measles outbreak in Niger?

This year has seen a massive surge in measles infections compared to the previous year. According to data from the Niger Ministry of Public Health, the country recorded 3,213 cases during the first quarter of 2021. This is nearly three times the 1,081 cases reported during the same period in 2020. By April, the number of suspected cases in Niger had climbed past 6,000. To date, the epidemic has caused 15 deaths, and 27 out of 73 health districts have reached epidemic thresholds. The regions of Tahoua, Dosso, and Agadez are currently facing the highest infection rates.

As the most contagious viral disease on the planet, measles is a primary cause of death among young children. The most effective defense is maintaining a 95% vaccination coverage rate, as advised by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, in several health centers in Niger, coverage has dropped below 50%. In areas such as Tahoua, Tillabéry, and Diffa, worsening security conditions and resulting population movements have limited access to basic healthcare, contributing to these low rates. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional strain on both routine and emergency vaccination campaigns.

What specific obstacles are MSF teams encountering?

When the first COVID-19 cases appeared in Niger in March 2020, fear of the unknown virus led to a decline in health center visits. Consequently, fewer parents brought their children in for standard immunizations.

The pandemic also impacted healthcare workers, with many testing positive or being forced into quarantine, which reduced available staff. Most medical resources were pivoted toward the pandemic response, often at the expense of preventative care. Additionally, border closures and various restrictions made importing essential medical supplies difficult. This year, we successfully imported nearly 700,000 vaccine doses to address the current outbreak and bolster emergency reserves.

We have also observed a lack of public participation in recent vaccination drives, largely due to confusion with the COVID-19 vaccine. In places like Niamey and the Tillabéry region, some communities have declined the shots. To counter this, we have intensified our community engagement and awareness efforts. We want to remind families of the severe risks measles poses to children and the absolute necessity of vaccination to stop the chain of transmission.

What are the health projections for the coming months?

The situation in Niger remains precarious. It highlights the dangerous decline in routine immunization activities. We have seen similar trends with meningitis, which has already affected over 1,100 people in the country. If routine and catch-up vaccinations aren’t consistently implemented, the impact of these gaps will be felt for years to come.

We are also closely monitoring trends as the seasonal peaks for malaria and malnutrition approach. Last year’s malaria peak was exceptionally severe in both duration and scale, only subsiding in January 2021, much later than usual.

Combined with worrying forecasts regarding food security and malnutrition, we must remain extremely vigilant. This includes focusing on regions like Zinder and Maradi, which are further from active conflict zones and often receive less attention from international donors.