May 27, 2010
The Question
What was the effect of the outbreak response vaccination (ORV) intervention on the 2003 – 2004 measles epidemic in Niamey, Niger?
What we found
It was estimated that 7% of cases in Niamey were averted because of the intervention, yet a much larger number of cases could have been averted if the intervention had occurred earlier in the course of the epidemic. Additionally, the intervention could have been more successful it a broader age-range of children had been targeted, even with a lower overall coverage.
Why it matters
When epidemics outbreak in countries that lack plans for routine immunization, it must be decided whether or not to respond with a broad vaccination campaign, especially if that means spending money that could be used to treat those already affected by the disease. The findings from this study suggest that ORVs can be effective in places if implemented appropriately.
