By Prisca Mashushu

Lilongwe, September 13, Mana: Mangochi district has reportedly registered 52 cases of measles in just two days after suspected cases tested positive for the disease.

The District Health Surveillance and Response Coordinator, Stanley Rashid, confirmed that the cases are primarily among people below 20 years of age.

Rashid told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday that interventions are yet to roll out to prevent further spread of the disease and isolate affected communities.

“We are planning to have campaigns, but as of now, we are still conducting active research and implementing measures on the ground. So far, new cases are 23 compared to yesterday, where 29 cases were recorded, making it 52 in total,” he said.

Rashid cited low vaccine coverage as a factor fueling the rise of measles in the district, especially due to limited access to medical interventions in rural communities.

He encouraged people to participate in vaccination campaigns and to isolate themselves from those affected by the disease in their communities.

The Executive Director of Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), George Jobe, attributed the rise in measles cases to vaccine hesitancy among some people.

“Misinformation and conspiracy theories that arose around the COVID-19 vaccines have negatively impacted the acceptance of vaccines, including routine vaccines for children in certain areas. This is unfortunate, as vaccines are meant to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles.

“There is a need to continue educating people on the importance of vaccines. Chiefs, religious leaders, and other local leaders must join these efforts,” Jobe explained.

However, Malawi recorded 173 measles cases in 2023. So far this year, only Mangochi has been affected by the disease.