Reuters: WHO urges mass vaccination against measles, other diseases in Ebola areas
“The World Health Organization warned on Friday of a risk of outbreaks of measles, whooping cough, and other diseases in West African countries hit by Ebola and urged a rapid intensification of routine immunizations…” (Kelland/Nebehay, 3/20).

TIME: WHO Urges Mass Measles Vaccinations in Ebola Regions
“…The organization says the risk for additional outbreaks is high due to interrupted immunization practices in the area. The agency is calling for an ‘intensification’ in routine vaccinations, and a measles vaccination push in countries that no longer have Ebola cases…” (Sifferlin, 3/20).

U.N. News Centre: Ebola-affected countries need to intensify routine immunization services — U.N.
“The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is appealing for the ‘urgent scaling up’ of routine immunizations services and distribution of anti-malaria medicines in countries most affected by Ebola in West Africa to counter a growing risk of outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. … In a guidance note sent out this week, WHO warned: ‘Any disruption of immunization services, even for short periods, will result in an increase in the number of susceptible individuals, and will increase the likelihood of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks’…” (3/20).

VOA News: WHO Urges Focus Preventable Killer Diseases in Ebola Countries
“…Many illnesses, including child-killing, vaccine-preventable diseases, have been neglected In West Africa’s Ebola-affected countries. Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea have diverted most of their resources and efforts toward containing the deadly Ebola virus over the past year… (Schlein, 3/20).

WHO: Vaccination must be scaled up in Ebola-affected countries
“… ‘This focus on vaccinations and malaria is part of WHO’s efforts to support countries in early recovery, including infection prevention and control in non-Ebola health care settings, strengthening of the health workforce, disease surveillance, and safe essential health services,’ says Dr Edward Kelley, director of Service Delivery and Safety at WHO…” (3/20).