how severe is the measles epidemic in Niger?

This year, Niger has experienced an exponential rise in measles cases compared to 2020. Official data from the Niger Ministry of Public Health reveals that during the first quarter of 2021, the country recorded 3,213 measles cases—nearly triple the 1,081 cases reported in the same period last year. By April, suspected measles cases had already exceeded 6,000. The outbreak has resulted in 15 deaths, with 27 of the country’s 73 health districts now classified as measles epidemic zones. The regions of Agadez, Dosso, and Tahoua are the hardest hit.

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases globally and remains a leading cause of child mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 95% vaccination coverage to effectively control the disease. However, in certain health centers across Niger, vaccination rates hover around just 50%. In areas like Diffa, Tillabéry, and Tahoua, deteriorating security conditions—including frequent population displacements—have disrupted access to primary healthcare, significantly lowering vaccination coverage. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has further strained vaccination campaigns, compounding the challenges.

what challenges are MSF teams facing in Niger?

The emergence of Covid-19 in Niger in March 2020 sparked widespread fear, leading many parents to avoid routine health visits for their children. This decline in attendance directly impacted childhood vaccination rates.

The pandemic also strained medical personnel, with healthcare workers either testing positive for Covid-19 or being identified as close contacts, reducing staff availability in health facilities. Medical resources were redirected to pandemic response, sidelining preventive care efforts. Additionally, supply chain disruptions—including restricted border crossings—complicated the importation of essential medical supplies. This year, MSF has imported nearly 700,000 vaccine doses to address the measles epidemic and bolster emergency preparedness.

Low community participation in vaccination campaigns has been observed in recent weeks, partly due to confusion with Covid-19 vaccination. This trend is particularly noticeable in Niamey and Tillabéry, where some families have refused measles vaccinations for their children. In response, MSF has intensified community engagement and awareness efforts to educate families about measles, its health risks for children, and the critical importance of vaccination in breaking the transmission chain.

what does the epidemic outlook look like for the coming months?

The measles situation in Niger remains deeply concerning, reflecting a worrying decline in routine vaccination coverage and preventive health services. Similar trends have been observed with meningitis, which has affected over 1,100 people in the country. If routine and catch-up vaccinations do not resume regularly, the consequences could extend over several years.

With the upcoming seasonal peaks of malaria and malnutrition, close monitoring of disease trends is essential. Last year’s malaria season was particularly severe in both scale and duration, lasting until January 2021—longer than usual. Combined with grim projections for food security and malnutrition in 2021, heightened vigilance is required, especially in regions receiving less attention from donors due to their distance from conflict zones, such as Maradi and Zinder.