Review on Measles Situation in Ethiopia; Past and Present

Habtamu Belete Akalu

Abstract

Contributing for five percent of under-five mortality, Measles has been one of the major causes of death and sickness of children in Ethiopia. The objective of this review is to evaluate the situation of measles in older and current times in Ethiopia and also to discuss cultural outlooks related with the diseases. Published papers, measles related reports, documents and historical books were reviewed and extracted. Of vaccine preventable diseases, measles is particularly associated with supernatural causes than others. Studies done on the perception of the rural community on causes of measles revealed that both natural and supernatural forces were mentioned as a cause of the disease. Several traditional cures for measles involved certain degree of magic and superstitions are common practices in older times and in the current situation as well. This includes prohibiting or controlling the movement of persons, isolation of a sick child from human contact and applies traditional home treatment and even sending unaffected children out of the village to other outbreak free areas, was reported to be the common practice in ancient Ethiopia. Through implementation of measles routine immunization program since 1980 and campaign based supplemental measles vaccination activities since 2002, there was steady progress in reducing morbidity and mortality from measles. Despite efforts to implement planned strategies, continuing measles outbreaks, are documented mainly in Sothern, part of the country from 2010 onwards. In Ethiopia, a seasonal pattern of occurrence of measles outbreak has been observed over the years, with increased number of measles cases during the late-early part of the year (December to February). Due to low sub national routine measles coverage , prevailing poor nutritional conditions, accumulation of unvaccinated children in highly populated areas accompanied by seasonal hot weather condition, frequent measles outbreaks still continue to occur in different parts of the country.