Undernutrition and Measles: A Global Health Concern
Amid a resurgence of measles cases worldwide, a recent study indicates that undernutrition may be worsening the impact of outbreaks in regions with food shortages.
Research Unveils Critical Link Between Undernutrition and Measles
A study involving over 600 fully vaccinated children in South Africa found those with malnutrition had significantly lower measles antibody levels.
Researchers from McGill University, UC Berkeley School of Public Health, and the University of Pretoria monitored the children’s growth over time as a marker of undernutrition and measured their antibody levels through blood tests. Stunted children at age three had, on average, 24 percent lower measles antibody levels by age five compared to their healthier peers.
Undernutrition and Vaccine Efficacy
The findings, published in Vaccine, suggest that undernutrition may diminish the longevity of vaccine protection.
“Addressing child hunger could be a vital component in preventing viral outbreaks,” said senior author Jonathan Chevrier, an Associate Professor at McGill’s Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, and Canada Research Chair in Global Environmental Health and Epidemiology.
The Growing Global Threat
Measles, highly contagious and potentially fatal, particularly in young children, is making a significant comeback in areas where it was previously under control.
According to Health Canada, 2024 saw the highest number of measles cases in the country in nearly a decade.
The Return of Measles
Measles cases worldwide declined from 2000 to 2016 but reversed in 2018 due to under-vaccination and the impact of the pandemic.
“Despite being preventable through vaccination and robust immunity, measles is now resurging in many parts of the world,” said co-author Brian Ward, Professor in McGill’s Department of Medicine.
Vaccination and Environmental Factors
“It is imperative to vaccinate children against preventable infectious diseases,” stated first author Brenda Eskenazi, Professor Emerita of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. “As climate change progresses, many diseases are expected to spread further, underscoring the urgency of vaccination and healthcare initiatives.”
Child Hunger Statistics
Approximately 148 million children under five years old were stunted in 2022, or 22 percent worldwide, with the highest rates found in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Future Studies
The team intends to track the children involved in the study as they grow older to determine if the initial effect of undernutrition during early childhood persists.
Funding and Impact
This research was supported by the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The connection between undernutrition and the effectiveness of vaccinations highlights a critical need to address child hunger. By doing so, we can enhance vaccine efficacy and safeguard global health.
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Together, we can work towards ending child hunger and preventing measles outbreaks.
