F
aced with a resurgence of measles in the Democratic Republic of Congo, The United Methodist Church is preparing to play a major role in the fight against the disease.
With support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ Global Health unit, the church is implementing a joint emergency-response plan against measles. According to Kathleen Griffith, team leader and director for Global Health, the proposed interventions include:
- Community engagement and social mobilization
- Community surveillance and referral of all children with measles to health facilities;
Vaccinations - Investigation and case management in health facilities. Examples are diagnosis, treatment and prevention of complications.
Griffith said these interventions are in addition to planning, training and monitoring. She said Global Health grants will cover “the most affected areas that our health boards support. We are also seeking funding from like-minded organizations as part of this essential response.”