MEASLES AND RUBELLA KEY FACTS

MEASLES:      KEY FACTS

·     Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children even though a safe and cost - effective vaccine is available.

·         In 2012, there were 122,000 measles death globally - about 330 deaths every day or 14 deaths every hour.

 

·         Measles vaccination resulted in a 78% drop in Measles death between 2000 and 2012 world wide.

·         In 2012 about 84% of the world’s children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday through routine health services – up from 27% in 2000.

·         Since 2000, more than 1 billion children in high risk countries were vaccinated against the disease through mass vaccination campaigns – about 145 million of them in 2012.

RUBELLA:      KEY FACTS

·         Rubella is a contagious, generally mild viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults.

·         Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fatal death or congenital defects known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).

·         Worldwide, an estimated 110,000 babies are born with CRS every year.

·         There is no specific treatment for Rubella but the disease is preventable by vaccination.

·         The Rubella virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when infected people sneeze or cough.

SYMPTOMS:

·         In children, the disease is usually mild, with symptoms including a rash, low fever (39°c), nausea and mild conjunctivitis. The rash, which occurs in 50 – 80% of cases, usually starts on the face and neck before progressing down the body, and last 1-3 days. Swollen lymph glands behind the ears and in the neck are the most characteristic clinical feature. Infected adults, more commonly women, may develop arthritis and painful joints that usually last from 3-10 days.

·         Once a person is infected, the virus spreads throughout the body in about 5-7 days. Symptoms usually appear two to three week after exposure. The most infections period is usually 1-5 days after the appearance of the rash.

·         When a woman is infected with the Rubella virus early in pregnancy, she has a 90% chance of passing the virus on to her foetus. This can cause miscarriage. Stillbirth or severe birth defects known as CRS. Infants with CRS may excrete the virus for a year or more.

MEASLES & RUBELLA CAMPAIGN IN TANZANIA

Dear Vice District Governor Haider Gangji,

At the outset I would like to avail this profound opportunity to thank the LCI – Humanitarian Program Asst. Manager Mr. Benjamin Futransky for appointing me the Project Coordinator and District Governor Wilson Ndesanjo as Grant Administrator for the Measles initiative programme for Dist. 411B – TANZANIA.

Vis-à-vis, I have the honour and privilege to appoint 1^st Vice District Governor Haider Gangji as the Project Convenor of Measles initiative program and the Relevant Task Force Organizing Committee who will be working hand in glove with the Project Convenor to make this program most successful in TANZANIA. The link between LCI and the Task Force Committee will be under PCC Abdul Khan – Project Coordinator and DG Wilson Ndesanjo Grant Administrator.

The project convenor is urged to involve all the Presidents and the members of the clubs to be part of this significant event. For your kind information; Lions Cubs International have partnered with GAVI ALLIANCE to raise funds for the Measles and Rubella vaccination in susceptible countries. TANZANIA is one of the beneficiaries of this programme and in collaboration with the Government of TANZANIA, Ministry of Health and other partners; the Lions of TANZANIA will have the privilege to participate in a NATIONWIDE Campaign to vaccinate children against the deadly disease.

The NATIONWIDE Measles and Rubella Campaign has been scheduled to be held from 24^th – 30^th September 2014 and the Lions will be involved with Advocacy and social mobilization amongst other duties. This is a privilege for us to portray our Lions image and promote our association to the whole country. During the campaign, Approximately 20 million children under the age of 6 years are expected to be vaccinated in over 130 plus Districts in TANZANIA.

By investing in immunization, we are protecting the future of our children across TANZANIA, enabling them to grow up healthy and giving them the chance to become productive adults.

•       Immunization reduces disease burden and cuts health care costs.
•       Healthier children can spend more time in school
•       Health and Education make individuals and communities more productive and promote economic development.
•       Better health results in improved opportunities for girls and mothers.

As leaders in your respective Clubs, Zones and Regions, you will be expected to:-

• 1.)    Make a commitment to Measles – This commitment should be personal and an exciting use of your talent and time.
• 2.)    Educate Lions and promote the initiative – prioritize the clubs and events in your area and begin publicizing the campaign dates.
• 3.)    Request participation and follow up – provide each clubs and member the opportunity to participate in this important program
• 4)    Identify an appropriate and your nearest Government Hospital or Health facility which would be comfortable to give your time during campaign.

The core committee is willing to support your efforts by providing some of the necessary tools which will include banners, flyers, posters and T-shirts (If fund permit) amongst others.

Please also let us know if you could be having your specific action plan for this campaign, and do not hesitate to contact the undersigned; Vice District Governor Haider Gangji, Secretary /Asst. Secretary of Organizing Committee Lion Rizwan Qadri & Lion Zahira Patwa respectively.

I once again sincerely thank you all in anticipation and appreciate your involvement, support and cooperation for the campaign and believe that we will make it a milestone event in history of Lions fraternity in TANZANIA.

With kind regards,

ABDUL MAJEED KHAN

PAST COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON

DISTRICT GMT COORDINATOR – DIST. 411B

PROJECT COORDINATOR – MEASLES RUBELLA CAMPAIGN - TANZANIA