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COVID-19 Disrupts Vaccination, Measles Cases Surge in Congo

5/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Vaccines save an astounding 3.5 to 5 million lives each year, especially vital in regions with scarce healthcare resources. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely hampered vaccination campaigns, leading to alarming immunity gaps. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, measles cases skyrocketed to over 300,000 in 2023, with only 38% of children fully vaccinated, a troubling decline from 45% in 2022.

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Story summary

Vaccines save an astounding 3.5 to 5 million lives each year, especially vital in regions with scarce healthcare resources. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely hampered vaccination campaigns, leading to alarming immunity gaps. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, measles cases skyrocketed to over 300,000 in 2023, with only 38% of children fully vaccinated, a troubling decline from 45% in 2022.