85 measles cases recorded in Oman this year: MoH

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- As many as 85 measles cases have been recorded in Oman this year as compared to 111 in 2016, an official from the Ministry of Health (MoH) has said. Badar al Rawahy, head of immunisation at MoH, was speaking at the launch of the national campaign at the Omani Women's Association in Qurm last week.

The ministry represented by the public health department also held preparatory national workshops across all governorates to kickstart the national campaign for measles vaccination. The workshop was attended by several health workers and managerial delegates.

Other representatives from the public health sector too are expected to join the week-long campaign, said Dr Amira al Raidhan, director of Health Education and Awareness Programme and head of Mental Health Department at MoH. Rawahy said, 'We are in the second phase of the campaign. The first one was held in the Governorate of Dhofar. In 2016, we had registered 111 cases and in 2017 around 85 cases have been reported in Oman so far.

'We analysed and identified an immunity gap as the majority of the patients fall in the age group of 20-35 years. We have done different studies to identify and tackle the disease.'

According to H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid al Sa'eedi, Minister of Health, an increase in the number of expatriates from neighbouring countries and the constant movement of people from countries that have experienced outbreaks of communicable diseases, including measles are primary reasons for the increase in cases.

Dr Amira said the first phase of National Measles Vaccination Campaign held in Salalah and Al Wusta was a great success. The second phase too is expected to evoke good response from both citizens and residents alike.

'Phase 1 of our national measles vaccination campaign targeted 20-35 year old locals and expatriates. This workshop is part of Phase 2 covering the remaining governorates. In all other governorates (except Dhofar and Al Wusta) the campaign will be held from September 10-16,' she said.

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