By Correspondent Reporter — Nsanje District has recorded 104 confirmed measles cases out of 249 suspected cases since September last year, with two children dead. 

According to the report, children aged between 1 and 4 years remain the most affected.

Health expert George Jobe says the outbreak is being fueled by three main factors: children missing routine vaccinations, vaccine misinformation, and cross-border movement with neighbouring countries.

Jobe described it as tragic that children are getting sick and dying from a disease that has a free, safe vaccine available at all health facilities across the country.

Some parents believed COVID-19-era misinformation claiming vaccines could kill children or affect their fertility, while some families were told not to vaccinate. That fear is still with us today,” Jobe said.

He also pointed to religious beliefs in some communities that discourage the use of medication, including vaccines, leaving children exposed to preventable diseases.

Health authorities continue to urge parents and guardians to take children for routine immunization to stop further spread.