Despite widespread availability of a safe adn effective vaccine, measles continues to pose a significant threat to public health, notably among children [[1]]. A new study analyzing data from Indonesia reveals substantial regional disparities in measles immunization coverage, with rates as low as 60.54% in some areas. the research, conducted by Universitas Airlangga, highlights the critical role of maternal education and access to healthcare in protecting vulnerable populations from this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease [[3]].
Measles remains a significant public health challenge, particularly for children in developing nations. The highly contagious disease can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, vision impairment, and even death. While vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and reduce its associated mortality, coverage gaps persist in many regions, raising concerns about potential outbreaks.
A recent analysis of national data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health reveals disparities in measles immunization rates across the archipelago. The study, based on data from the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) survey, included over 19,400 children aged 12–23 months. Nationally, measles vaccination coverage reached 73.46%.
Researchers found the highest immunization rates in the regions of Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi, at 77.47%. However, coverage was considerably lower in Maluku and Papua, reaching only 60.54%. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address regional inequities in vaccine access and uptake.
Several factors were linked to higher immunization rates, including the frequency of postnatal care visits, maternal education levels, household socioeconomic status, and proximity to healthcare facilities. The analysis showed that children whose mothers had higher levels of education were three times more likely to receive the measles vaccine compared to those whose mothers had no formal schooling (AOR 3.01; 95% CI: 1.87–4.84).
Regular access to postnatal care was also a significant predictor of vaccination, with children of mothers who routinely utilized these services demonstrating a 2.17 times higher likelihood of receiving the measles vaccine (AOR 2.17; 95% CI: 1.78–2.64). Geographic and economic barriers also played a role; children living closer to hospitals or health centers had higher immunization rates than those in more remote areas.
In eastern Indonesia, particularly in Maluku and Papua, low immunization rates are attributed to limited infrastructure, challenging transportation access, and an uneven distribution of healthcare workers. These logistical hurdles highlight the need for strengthened healthcare delivery systems in underserved regions.
The study emphasizes the critical link between maternal and child health services and national immunization programs. Improving maternal education is a key factor, as it influences knowledge and awareness about the importance of vaccination. Increased access to healthcare, particularly reducing distances to facilities and ensuring adequate staffing, is also crucial.
Researchers suggest that strengthening postnatal care services, expanding healthcare access in remote areas, and improving public health literacy are essential long-term strategies for achieving equitable measles immunization coverage. Targeted interventions in areas with low coverage are vital to prevent future outbreaks. The findings could guide future vaccination strategies and resource allocation to improve public health outcomes.
Penulis:
Hidayat Arifin
Fakultas Keperawatan, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
Email: [email protected] Link: https://doi.org/10.24953/turkjpediatr.2025.5886
