Attention to COVID 19 pandemic resulted in increased measles cases and deaths in Zambia
Measles caused a significant increase in child mortality during the pandemic period. A mix of systemic, clinical, and individual factors affected measles mortality. Prioritizing vaccine coverage, especially for younger children and marginalized populations; enhancing diagnostic and treatment capacities; and addressing gender and healthcare access disparities are all essential components of interventions aimed at lowering mortality. The findings suggest that public health interventions focusing on measles vaccination, rapid detection, and appropriate case management are crucial to reducing mortality and preventing further transmission. To achieve population immunity, sustained efforts are required to maintain high coverage rates.
Authors
- Nyuma Mbewe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3309-0538)
- Kelvin Mwangilwa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5099-3392)
- John Simwanza (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9305-9946)
- Nathan Kapata (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3877-8809)
- Nyambe Sinyange
- Muzala Kapina
- Musole Chipoya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5103-9042)
- Jonathan Mwanza (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7877-5058)
- Moses Mwale
- Isaac Fwemba (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9179-0946)
- Cephas Sialubanje (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9077-1436)
- Danny Sinyange
- Peter J. Chipimo
- Davie Simwaba
- Precious Kalubula
- Priscilla Nkonde Gardner (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8937-3142)
- Roma Chilengi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0221-9527)
- Chilufya Mulenga
- Charles Chileshe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9388-7986)
- Meeting Banda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1962-8932)
- Lilian Lamba
Institutions
- University of Zambia (ZM)
- World Health Organization - Zambia (ZM)
- National Institute of Public Administration (ZM)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Tropical Medicine and Health
- Published
- 2025-04-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00736-2
- Citations
- 5
- Primary Topic
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 10.84