YAOUNDE, CAMEROON — A measles outbreak in Chad's Bologo district has prompted health officials to take drastic measures, including closing dozens of schools, sending thousands of children and teachers home, and restricting movement in and out of the affected area. Officials attribute the rapid spread of the highly contagious disease to vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the challenges of combating misinformation and reaching vulnerable populations.

The outbreak, which has seen approximately 50 confirmed cases in the past two weeks, has overwhelmed local healthcare facilities. Oumar Mahamat Traore, the chief health official in Bologo, confirmed that all seven hospitals in the district are treating children for measles, with some in critical condition. While no deaths have been reported yet, the situation remains dire, exacerbated by the fact that over 80% of the population in Bologo relies on traditional medicine, often seeking conventional medical care only in severe cases. This makes it difficult to ascertain the true extent of the outbreak.

The government has dispatched health workers to Bologo and surrounding areas to combat misinformation surrounding the disease. Many locals believe measles is a form of divine punishment and can only be cured through traditional sacrifices. Health workers are working to educate communities about the viral nature of measles and the efficacy of conventional treatment.

This outbreak underscores the persistent challenge of measles in Chad, a country with historically low vaccination coverage. The United Nations identifies measles as a leading cause of death among children in the nation, with frequent outbreaks fueled by insufficient immunization rates. While Doctors Without Borders inoculated over 1.3 million children against measles in 2023, and the Chadian government, in partnership with international organizations, planned to vaccinate 4 million children, these efforts have been hampered by various factors. Armed conflicts, political instability surrounding the recent elections, and logistical difficulties have disrupted vaccination campaigns, leaving millions of children vulnerable.

The recent election of Mahamat Idriss Deby as president and the establishment of a new parliament offer a glimmer of hope. Officials are optimistic that with the return of relative peace and constitutional order, vaccination campaigns can be ramped up. The Health Ministry has explicitly cited vaccine hesitancy as a major obstacle to increasing immunization coverage, emphasizing the need for targeted public health initiatives to address misinformation and build trust in vaccines.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers it one of the most contagious diseases globally. Vaccination remains the most effective and affordable way to prevent measles, offering safe and reliable protection. The WHO and other international health organizations are working with the Chadian government to strengthen vaccination programs and improve access to healthcare for all children. The current outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize vaccination and combat vaccine hesitancy to protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases. Efforts are underway to not only contain the current outbreak but also to build a more resilient healthcare system that can prevent future outbreaks and safeguard the health of Chad's children. This includes community engagement programs to address cultural beliefs and promote vaccination, as well as strengthening the cold chain infrastructure necessary for vaccine storage and distribution.