Warnings of Measles Outbreak in Darfur Due to Weak Immunization Efforts

Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières – MSF) has revealed a widespread outbreak of measles in four out of the five states of the Darfur region in western Sudan, due to decreased vaccination campaigns.

The first wave of measles cases appeared in Rokero, north of Jebel Marra in Central Darfur, in June 2024, following the suspension of routine immunization campaigns previously organized by the Ministry of Health. These campaigns were halted as a result of the ongoing conflict and the control of most of the region by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In a statement, MSF said it had detected measles cases in East Jebel Marra in South Darfur, Forbranga in West Darfur, Zalingei in Central Darfur, the Sortony camp in North Darfur, and Tina in eastern Chad.

The organization attributed the spread of the disease to low immunization coverage, stressing the urgent need to intensify efforts to vaccinate children.

It also pointed out that administrative barriers and the closure of supply routes since the outbreak of the conflict have led to a shortage of vaccines in Darfur, severely disrupting routine immunization programs in several areas for months.