Rising measles cases in children worries Faryab officials

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Health officials in northern Faryab province have expressed concern over an increasing number of measles cases in children and are urging families not to neglect vaccinating their children against the disease.

Dr. Arash Agha, head of the pediatric department at the 100-bed hospital in Maimana, told Pajhwok Afghan News that measles remained common in Faryab not only this year but also last year.

More than 40 children with measles are admitted to the pediatric ward daily, which is above the capacity of the ward, and most patients may be referred to other health centers, private hospitals, and neighboring provinces, he added.

He attributed the reason behind the increasing measles cases to poor coverage of routine vaccination, lack of awareness and people’s lack of referral to health centers, irresponsibility of vaccinators who do not cover their respective areas, and delays in implementing the nationwide campaign.

Measles is a type of respiratory infection and its symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and skin problems in various parts of the body. Despite the availability of a vaccine, it is still one of the causes of death worldwide.

Dr. Agha urged families to pay serious attention to administering measles vaccine to their children.

Dr. Mohammad Ibrahim Karimi, chief physician at the provincial hospital, explained the hospital had a capacity of 100 beds and more than 140 children were admitted to the pediatric ward daily, most of them measles patients.

Most of the severe measles patients are from remote districts and Ghormach district of western Badghis province, where there are no health facilities, he added.

Maulvi Khan Agha Asad, acting director of Public Health Department, confirms that the number of measles cases and deaths in the province have increased compared to previous years.

In the past, a general campaign was launched every five years, but since 2022, no general campaign has been carried out, and most children born between 2022 and 2025 have not been vaccinated.

The lack of awareness among people about the importance of vaccination, the distance of health centers from villages, the lack of transportation, and the aversion of some families towards vaccination are factors contributing to the increase in measles cases.

The acting director asked families to vaccinate their children against this dangerous disease.

Halima, a resident of Khwaja Sabzposh district, explained her grandson contracted measles almost three weeks ago. He is in critical condition and he is hospitalized in Maimana Hospital, but doctors have recommended he should be transferred to better-equipped hospitals outside the province for treatment.

Meanwhile, Rawina, a resident of Qaisar district, said nine days ago her child contracted measles. Her condition worsened with each passing day, and she had to be shifted to the hospital.

Seven months ago, she gave birth to her baby at a health center, but she has not been vaccinated once.

hz/ma