فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a press conference held yesterday following a government council meeting, Mustapha Baetass, the official spokesperson for the government, outlined the reasons behind the recent resurgence of measles (Bohrimoun) in Morocco, highlighting several contributing factors to the rise in cases. He also presented the government’s measures to address the disease and curb its spread.
Baetass explained that one of the main reasons for the sudden return of the disease is the decline in vaccination rates in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, there was a noticeable drop in vaccination coverage, which hindered the development of herd immunity against various infectious diseases, including measles.
He also pointed to the spread of misinformation about vaccines, which has fueled concerns among the public, particularly regarding the side effects of vaccines. Baetass emphasized that these false claims, circulating through social media, have caused fear and anxiety among individuals, urging citizens to be informed about the importance of vaccination as the best way to prevent diseases.
Regarding the government’s actions to combat measles, Baetass stated that the government had activated a surveillance and monitoring system through the National Center for Public Health Emergency Operations, along with 12 regional health emergency centers. A national catch-up vaccination campaign against measles and other diseases was launched on October 28, 2024, with plans to extend the campaign to all relevant groups.
He further clarified that the government had coordinated efforts with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool Education, and Sports, as well as the Ministry of the Interior, to ensure that vaccination status is up to date for children under 18, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as students, teachers, healthcare workers, and public authorities.
In conclusion, Baetass urged all citizens, especially parents, to actively participate in the ongoing vaccination campaign, stressing the importance of collective efforts to combat measles. He also called on the media and civil society to counter the misinformation and rumors circulating against vaccines, affirming that measles remains under control in Morocco thanks to the continuous efforts of health authorities.
source: fesnews media
