The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported 2,059 rubella cases, also known as German Measles in South Africa from January to August 2024, with notable increases in Gauteng, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. While rubella is mild in most cases, it can cause severe complications in pregnant women, leading to congenital rubella syndrome. The World Health Organisation has also noted a decline in childhood vaccination coverage, with DTP1 (the first dose for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) rates dropping from 87% in 2022 to 81% in 2023. We are in conversation with CEO of the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association of South Africa, Bada Pharasi on factors contributing to low immunisation rates.

<p>The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported 2,059 rubella cases, also known as German Measles in South Africa from January to August 2024, with notable increases in Gauteng, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. While rubella is mild in most cases, it can cause severe complications in pregnant women, leading to congenital rubella syndrome. The World Health Organisation has also noted a decline in childhood vaccination coverage, with DTP1 (the first dose for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) rates dropping from 87% in 2022 to 81% in 2023. We are in conversation with CEO of the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association of South Africa, Bada Pharasi on factors contributing to low immunisation rates.</p>

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