Measles in Afghan refugees: Challenges, efforts and recommendations

Abstract

Recently, measles outbreaks have been reported across Afghanistan, and in many refugees. Although, Afghanistan has a previous history of measles outbreaks, the presence of such epidemics during a humanitarian crisis is burdening a fragile healthcare system. In addition, it is creating new challenges for Afghan refugees who are endangered by political conditions of the country. Despite efforts such as vaccination to reduce the number of cases in Afghanistan, there are still multiple outbreaks. Various factors such as political conflict, insecurity, internal displacement, supply chain issues and, most recently, COVID-19 have hampered the eradication of measles. High mortality rate, faster transmission, and clinical similarities with COVID-19 are exacerbating challenges for refugees, who are now facing delays in resettlement, especially in the United States. To curb the spread of measles, refugees need immediate and effective vaccination measures, and access to healthcare information in their own languages.

Keywords

• Afghanistan
• Measles
• MMR Vaccine
• COVID-19 pandemic
• Coronavirus
• Humanitarian crisis