In a recent analysis paper published in BMJ Global Health, Majdi Sabahelzain and Julie Leask from SABII, along with Harriet Dwyer (LSHTM) and Seye Abimbola (SSPH), analysed vaccination coverage and the trend of polio and measles outbreaks in five countries affected by conflict in the Sahel Region of Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Sudan. The study reveals that ongoing conflicts lead to more children missing vaccinations and an increase in polio outbreaks caused by vaccine-derived poliovirus and measles in these countries. Health insecurity in the Sahel region is highlighted by the emergence of genetically linked polio variants, primarily due to the mobility of nomads and displaced and refugee populations who might be un or under-vaccinated. The paper also suggests using diplomatic strategies and investing in creative methods to help reach vaccination programs in hard-to-access areas.
In December, Majdi Sabahelzain presented some of his research into zero-dose children in conflict during Gavi’s Zero-Dose Learning Week Post-Event Webinar went live last December on YouTube.
