Evaluation of Measles Response Strategies MSF OCG, Tanganyika, Katanga, DRC (2016)

Despite a 5 day SIAs by MOH in 2014, a new outbreak began in Katanga/DRC and spread throughout 2015. A comprehensive, integrated “3 headed” response was chosen by MSF-OCG in 3 Health Zones (HZ) of Tanganyika, including preventive and curative activities (for measles, malaria, and malnutrition): although quite ambitious given available HR resources, this was relevant given these “three” on-going emergencies in Tanganyika. Despite a difficult start in balancing all the components simultaneously (“3 heads” multi-activities), OCG succeeded well in managing the complexity in the final ZS of Manono. In 2/3 ZS chosen, OCG responded too late to have a clear “impact” on measles, but overall control on main killers among < 5 years is probably substantial (malaria and nutrition) – available data does not allow to measure or interpret activities’ results clearly and have a “fine tuning” evaluation of the operational efforts (active surveillance system and activities’ monitoring recommended). Advocacy positions and strategies developed by OCG during the response form a strong base to inform MSF intersectional discussions