Comparative Epidemiology of Measles in Charsadda District, Pakistan: 2023–2024
1
DG health-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, National institutes of Health, Peshawar, Pakistan
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A516
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Measles remains a pressing public health challenge in Pakistan, particularly in under-immunized populations. This study presents a comparative analysis of measles surveillance data from Charsadda District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, over two consecutive years (January–November, 2023–2024).
METHODS:
We analyzed surveillance data reported by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) using WHO measles case definitions. Variables assessed included age, gender, symptoms, laboratory confirmation, sample adequacy, cold chain status, tehsil distribution, travel history, vaccination status, and clinical outcomes.
RESULTS:
A total of 632 suspected measles cases were reported in 2023, increasing to 763 in 2024. The highest burden occurred among children aged ≤5 years (92.2% in 2023; 92.3% in 2024). Males were disproportionately affected (57.8% in 2023; 56.0% in 2024). Laboratory confirmation rates improved from 66.7% in 2023 to 79.2% in 2024. Sample adequacy declined in 2024 (91.5% vs 97.3%), as did cold chain maintenance (91.5% vs 96.8%). Immunization status was poor: 92.7% of cases in 2023 and 77.6% in 2024 were unvaccinated. Post-measles complications included pneumonia (14.2%) and diarrhea (6.0%). Cluster outbreaks were identified in two union councils in 2023 and three in 2024.
CONCLUSIONS:
Persistent under-vaccination, poor cold chain compliance, and gaps in surveillance have contributed to recurring outbreaks in Charsadda. Strengthened routine immunization, surveillance, and outbreak response are urgently needed.
Measles remains a pressing public health challenge in Pakistan, particularly in under-immunized populations. This study presents a comparative analysis of measles surveillance data from Charsadda District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, over two consecutive years (January–November, 2023–2024).
METHODS:
We analyzed surveillance data reported by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) using WHO measles case definitions. Variables assessed included age, gender, symptoms, laboratory confirmation, sample adequacy, cold chain status, tehsil distribution, travel history, vaccination status, and clinical outcomes.
RESULTS:
A total of 632 suspected measles cases were reported in 2023, increasing to 763 in 2024. The highest burden occurred among children aged ≤5 years (92.2% in 2023; 92.3% in 2024). Males were disproportionately affected (57.8% in 2023; 56.0% in 2024). Laboratory confirmation rates improved from 66.7% in 2023 to 79.2% in 2024. Sample adequacy declined in 2024 (91.5% vs 97.3%), as did cold chain maintenance (91.5% vs 96.8%). Immunization status was poor: 92.7% of cases in 2023 and 77.6% in 2024 were unvaccinated. Post-measles complications included pneumonia (14.2%) and diarrhea (6.0%). Cluster outbreaks were identified in two union councils in 2023 and three in 2024.
CONCLUSIONS:
Persistent under-vaccination, poor cold chain compliance, and gaps in surveillance have contributed to recurring outbreaks in Charsadda. Strengthened routine immunization, surveillance, and outbreak response are urgently needed.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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