The Minister of Health in Kazakhstan, Azhar Giniyat, has delivered a concerning report on the current measles situation in the country. With over 17,000 registered cases, more than 82% of which are children, the nation faces a serious public health crisis. The majority of affected children are unvaccinated, contributing to a strain on hospital resources, with 60% of beds occupied nationwide.
"Currently, 2,375 children are receiving inpatient care, with a reserve of 1,093 beds. High bed occupancy rates are observed in the Jambyl region at 92%, Almaty at 88%, Turkestan region at 81%, and Shymkent at 79%. Out of the hospitalized, 30 children are in critical condition in intensive care units, including 15 infants," reported Azhar Giniyat.
Giniyat highlighted that measles cases have been identified in all regions of Kazakhstan, with particularly elevated levels in Shymkent (over 3,000 cases), Almaty (over 2,000 cases), and Jambyl region (over 2,000 cases). Additionally, high infection rates have been noted in Almaty, Mangystau, Kyzylorda, and Atyrau regions.
In response to the crisis, an emergency vaccination campaign targeting over 15,000 individuals and a catch-up immunization effort covering 60,000 previously unvaccinated children under 18 have been initiated. This constitutes 50% of the total target population and 84% of children aged 1 to 6. The Health Ministry anticipates vaccinating an additional 100,000 children in this age group by year-end.
Notably, 65% of those infected are children under 5 years old. Mass immunization of children under 5 has been underway since the current month, already covering 94,000 minors. Overall, over 770,000 minors have been vaccinated against measles in Kazakhstan this year.
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov stressed the need for comprehensive measures to curb the spread of this infectious disease, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and public cooperation. He urged intensified vaccination efforts and called for local authorities to closely monitor vaccination initiatives.
The swift increase in measles cases in Kazakhstan since September has raised concerns, mirroring a global trend. The United Nations reported a 43% increase in measles-related deaths last year, with 9mn children infected worldwide. Kazakhstan has procured an additional 1.5mn doses of the measles vaccine to address the growing crisis.
Despite the escalating situation, the Ministry of Health clarified that schools and kindergartens would not be closed. The health authorities emphasized their control over the situation and assured that targeted measures would be implemented based on specific organizations and institutions showing heightened infection rates.
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