Measles Outbreak in Indonesia: Halal Vaccine Debate Hampers Efforts to Contain Deadly Epidemic

Strategic Insights -

A measles outbreak has persisted for nine months on Madura Island in Indonesia, infecting over 2,600 children and claiming 20 lives. The regional government's efforts to curb the outbreak are hindered by concerns over the use of pork-derived gelatin in some measles vaccines, which is considered haram (forbidden) by some Islamic scholars. Despite religious concerns, the head of Disease Control and Prevention at the Sumenep Health Office, Ahmad Syamsuri, advises Muslims to use the vaccines until alternative shots are available for the benefit of society.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 2,600 children have been infected with measles on Madura Island, and 20 have died, highlighting the need for urgent action to contain the outbreak.
  • The regional government has made over 78,000 vaccines available to children in the region, but hesitant parents are a major obstacle to vaccination efforts.
  • Indonesian Islamic scholars have advised that vaccines with gelatin stabilizers can be used under religious law, but some parents remain hesitant due to concerns over the use of pork-derived ingredients.
  • Measles vaccination rates in Indonesia fell below the country's targets in 2023 and 2024, with only 86.6% of the target reached in 2023 and 82.3% in 2024.
  • The World Health Organization notes that 60 countries reported big measles outbreaks last year, and that measles vaccine rates need to reach 95% to prevent outbreaks.

Statistics:

  • 2,600+ children infected with measles on Madura Island
  • 20 deaths attributed to measles on Madura Island
  • 78,000+ vaccines made available to children in the region
  • 86.6% of measles-rubella vaccination target reached in 2023
  • 82.3% of measles-rubella vaccination target reached in 2024
  • 60 countries reported big measles outbreaks last year
  • 95% measles vaccine rate needed to prevent outbreaks

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • The Indonesian Ulema Council
  • The World Health Organization
  • The Indonesian Ministry of Health
  • The Serum Institute of India
  • The Conversation US
  • The Lilly Endowment Inc.