Factors affecting implementation of control strategies for measles outbreak in Lusaka District

Abstract

Introduction:Measles is highly infectious and potentially fatal mainly affecting children in most parts of the world. There is a resurgence of measles outbreaks despite the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) through the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Community, Development Mother and Child Health (MCDMCH), and other stakeholders to curb measles outbreaks, A study was carried out to determine factors affecting implementation of control strategies of measles outbreaks in Lusaka district of Zambia. Methodology :This was a qualitative study which used a case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. The collected data were analysed using a thematic analytical approach.Results :The results confirm that Zambia has adopted catch-up, keep-up, follow-up and RED strategy to fight measles outbreaks. Improved routine immunization coverage, and intensified measles surveillance such as laboratory confirmation, improved case management through Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), and provision of second opportunity for measles have been put in place to facilitate implementation of control strategies. The planning and management, linking service communities, supportive and supervision, monitoring and use of data for action, and partnership and community are mechanisms facilitating implementation of control strategies. Factors such as inadequate funding, inadequate human resource, transport, children borne from seropositive mothers, non-immunization of refugees, illegal crossing of people through porous borders, and poor cold chain management as some of the factors affecting the effectiveness of control strategies in reducing measles out-breaks in Lusaka district. Conclusion :The GRZ should carry out first immunization of children at the age of 6 months and a repeat dose at the age of 9 months to reduce measles outbreaks. The GRZ needs to strengthen porous borders to reduce illegal crossing into the country. The MCDMCH should immunize refugees to reduce measles outbreaks. The GRZ and stakeholders need to invest in human resource in the health sector, improve infrastructure, transport and increase funding in order to enhance implementation processes of controlling measles outbreaks in Lusaka District.