Measles Epidemics in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In an alarming development, Bosnia and Herzegovina has seen an abrupt surge in measles cases in recent weeks. In January, only a few dozen cases were reported; by March, that number had increased to more than a thousand. This disease, notably dangerous for children, prompted the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies's Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) to allocate over 100,000 Swiss francs to aid the Bosnia Herzegovina Red Cross's response efforts.

The Bosnian Red Cross's Health, Care and First Aid Coordinator and manager of this outbreak response, Jasmin Nikšić, explains the current situation around measles and other infectious diseases in the country. He further elaborates that five large cities have declared measles epidemics. Additionally, the Sarajevo Canton is grappling with a pertussis outbreak (whooping cough), another severe disease that has already claimed two children's lives.

The Bosnian Red Cross has been monitoring the situation since January, intervening when the epidemiological peak was reached in March. They are currently launching massive campaigns for the promotion of vaccines and general health protection over the next four months, funded through IFRC-DREF.

Relevant explanations for the decrease in immunization are speculated to be linked to COVID-19 related fears and misinformation regarding vaccines, leading young parents to refuse to vaccinate their children. 

In response, the Red Cross in Bosnia is working to support the complex health system structure and provide reliable data on the country's health conditions. Community health mobile teams are being formed to educate citizens about vaccination and healthier lifestyles, with particular attention to parents, pregnant women, children, and vulnerable communities such as the Roma community.

Finally, as part of World Immunization Week, the public's attention is drawn to immunization's significant role in combating vaccine-preventable diseases, dispelling misconceptions, and promoting trust in science-based healthcare interventions.

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