Congo steps up battle against measles, malaria and malnutrition

Congo's government has launched a new campaign to fight measles, malaria and malnutrition.

The campaign is expected to last for six days, according to AngolaPress, and will target what are three of the main causes of mortality in the country.

Initially the campaign will focus on measles vaccination, with the republic's government highlighting the need to step up the protection of children against the disease.

"In 2002, the vaccination coverage against measles was just 25 per cent. Yet measles is one of the most deadly diseases of children, as it is responsible for the majority of the deaths that could have been prevented through vaccination," said minister of health and social and family affairs, Emilienne Raoul.

The news comes at the same time as the announcement that the global NothingButNets campaign is to fund the production and distribution of over 200,000 mosquito nets to Congo to support the country's fight against malaria.

World Health Organization figures indicated that, in 2000, 6.6 per cent of Congolese child mortality was a result of measles infection, while over 25 per cent was caused by malaria.

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