State govts on overdrive to vaccinate as measles outbreaks spread

India’s target to eliminate measles and rubella by December 2023 appears to be a long shot, as the country reported 9,489 cases between April and September this year, ahead of Somalia (8,435) and Yemen (6,478).

Affected states like Maharashtra are now on an overdrive to vaccinate children with additional shots, extend vaccination to the young, and also focus on boosting nutrition levels among them. Experts point out that the outbreaks are precipitated by missing routine immunisation.

Outbreaks have been reported in several states including Maharashtra, Kerala, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Haryana. Maharashtra is the worst hit, reporting 717 cases this