No Measles-Related Deaths in 15yrs – GHS

Ghana, in the not too distant future may be declared a measles free country if it continues in its efforts to keep the viral disease at bay.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) revealed that, the country since 2003, has not recorded any deaths associated with measles.

According to the GHS, the achievement is remarkable but requested more efforts to completely eliminate the disease from Ghana’s medical history.

Measles, a dangerous and contagious disease with no treatment or cure, had in the past been a major worry to parents who had failed to give their children the needed vaccine.

Measles is the deadliest childhood rash/fever illnesses and spreads very easily but Ghana seem to have gotten over this destructive disease.

Speaking at the national launch of the Measles-Rubella Immunisation Campaign held in Accra, yesterday, the Deputy Director-General of GHS, Dr. Gloria Quansah-Asare, said the service and the Ministry of Health will not relent on their collaborative efforts to eradicate the disease.

She further announced the kick start of a nationwide measles vaccination programme scheduled for October 17 to October 22, 2018.

Parents and guardians are advised to get their children vaccinated at health centres and a number of immunisation posts across the country.

Children between the ages of nine-months to five years will be given the vaccines against Measles and Rubella as well as Vitamin A supplements during the campaign, Dr. Quansah-Asare said.

Facts

Measles is a highly infectious illness caused by the rubeola virus.

However, if measles enters an area where the people have never been exposed, the result can be devastating.

Vaccination prevents many cases of measles around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that 2.6 million people who have not had the vaccine die of measles every year.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]