WHO WARNS OF DANGER OF INSUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR VACCINATION PROGRAMMES AGAINST DEADLY DISEASES

GENEVA, March 19 (Bernama-QNA) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that cuts in funding for life-saving global health projects by some countries, such as the United States (US), could severely impact vaccination programmes for children and adults against deadly diseases, Qatar News Agency reported.

The recent abrupt changes in donor budgets and capacity in global health have put a severe strain on immunisation programmes, particularly to measles prevention efforts, WHO said in a statement.

It emphasised the need for all children to receive two doses of the measles vaccine, noting that the disease remains a leading cause of death among children worldwide.

In this context, Director of the WHO's Immunisation Department Kate O'Brien attributed the decline in vaccination coverage to fears spread by people with misinformation about the measles vaccine, which has created an environment in which measles cases have reappeared in countries worldwide after measles had been completely eliminated.

Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral disease, with symptoms including fever and a rash. Vaccination is the best prevention, as there is no specific treatment for it after infection.

Following his inauguration last January, US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, including Washington's withdrawal from the WHO.

The United States is the largest financial supporter of the UN organisation, contributing approximately 18 per cent of its total funding.

-- BERNAMA-QNA