Nigeria & South Africa | Infectious Diseases | Immunisation
Key Achievements
- Film: “Measles in Nigeria and South Africa: A Tale of Two Nations”
- Op-ed: “Measles Outbreak In Nigeria: A Preventable Emergency Demanding Immediate Action”
- Op-ed: “Why Gender Equity Strengthens Nigeria’s Epidemic Response”
Measles outbreaks in Nigeria and South Africa underscored how fragile immunisation systems can become when coverage gaps, misinformation, and health system disruptions intersect. Kevin John Brandt and Sylvia Ezenwa-Ahanene examined the resurgence of this vaccine-preventable disease by comparing how the two countries experienced, responded to, and communicated measles outbreaks, with a focus on children and underserved communities.
The project explored disparities in vaccine access, routine immunisation coverage, surveillance capacity, and outbreak preparedness. By looking at both progress and persistent gaps, the team highlighted how missed immunisation, vaccine hesitancy, and underinvestment continued to place children under five at risk, while also examining lessons that could be shared across borders to strengthen measles prevention and response.
Drawing on WHO data, national reports, and interviews with health authorities and families, the project applied an equity lens to outbreak storytelling.
Through a documentary and op-eds, the work challenged vaccine misinformation and reinforced the importance of sustained immunisation and trust.
“The project reframed measles not as a recurring outbreak, but as a preventable failure of systems that can be fixed through sustained immunisation and trust.”