Measles Immunization and Eradication

Measles Immunization and Eradication
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First Question
Measles is a great killer contagious infection affecting humans and is ranked among the leading four childhood killers across the world. In spite of the existence of efficient and safe vaccine, an approximate of 32 to 41 million cases of the ailment and some 500,000 deaths happened annually (U.S. Department of Health And Human Services, 2009). Half of such deaths have been reported in sub-Saharan Africa, where measles continues to kill more children than the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Annually, the seven countries forming southern Africa experienced 60,500 measles cases and 170 measles deaths. The prevalence of measles in southern African can be eliminated by setting relevant strategies. These consist of measles immunization priorities that need to be put into consideration of humanitarian and conflict emergency situations. According to Levine (2007), these priorities include emphasizing routine immunization for infants at nine months; developing nationwide catch-up campaign to offer another opportunity for immunization for entire population of children aging 9 months to 14 years; promoting follow-up campaigns among young children each three to four years; and developing both organized surveillance for measles cases and laboratory facilities to confirm suspect cases.
Measles immunization priorities are quite different from normal situations since protection against measles is more than normal immunization because eliminating measles requires more effort and follow-ups to ensure that it is controlled (Levine, 2007). By preventing measles, the priorities assist humans in fighting off other ailments for years. Con...