Bolivia Declares National Health Emergency to Combat Measles Spread
(MENAFN) Bolivia has officially declared a National Health Emergency amid a measles outbreak that has confirmed 60 cases across the country. This urgent action aims to halt the virus's rapid spread in multiple regions of the South American nation.
Bolivian President Luis Arce announced via social media, "After urgently convening the National Strategic Council for Health Emergencies, in response to the measles epidemic that the country is experiencing and the high risk of the disease spreading, we have decided to declare a National Health Emergency with the firm intention of protecting the health and lives of the Bolivian people."
The government’s strategy focuses on implementing a widespread vaccination drive alongside a coordinated effort involving local and regional authorities, as well as international health agencies.
President Arce emphasized that this initiative will boost the government’s capacity to respond swiftly, activate emergency protocols, and ensure vaccination access—especially targeting children under the age of five.
He urged the public to support health officials and adhere strictly to the full vaccination schedule. "Our duty is clear: to protect our children and the entire population from a threat that has already raised health alerts across the continent," he stated.
Health Minister Maria Renee Castro highlighted the severity of measles, describing it as a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to severe complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, particularly among malnourished or immunocompromised children.
She stressed, "It is essential that parents get their children vaccinated. The country has 500,000 doses, specifically for girls and boys."
The resurgence of measles follows a period of control, with declining vaccination rates blamed on pandemic-related disruptions to health services, widespread misinformation, and lapses in ongoing preventive efforts.
Officials warn that failure to improve immunization coverage could cause the epidemic to intensify in the coming weeks.
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