CONGO: More than 6,000 people died by a measles epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the start of 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

The WHO says the measles epidemic is the world’s largest and fastest moving.

Over 310,000 suspected measles cases have been reported in the country since the start of 2019, the WHO says.

Last September, the Congolese government and the WHO launched an emergency vaccination program, international media reports have said.

Over 18 million children under five were vaccinated in 2019, it said.

Poor infrastructure, attacks on health centers and a lack of routine healthcare have hindered efforts to stop the spread of this dreadful disease.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa said they are doing their utmost to bring the epidemic under control.

According to the WHO, an extra $40m is required to extend the vaccination to children between six and 14 years.

Measles is a virus that initially causes sneezing, a runny nose, and fever.

It then leads to a blotchy rash starting from the face and spreads across the body. (Agencies)