Measles kit 2021

To treat complications associated with measles: severe complications with module 1 (50 cases) and mild complications with module 8 (20 cases).

The new measles kit 2021 is designed to prepare for and support the treatment of non-severe and severe measles cases during outbreaks. The kit provides the essential medicines, supplies and equipment for the management of clinical suspected and severe cases.

Most measles-related deaths are caused by complications associated with the disease and serious complications are more common in children under the age of 5, or adults over the age of 30. Acute respiratory infections (otitis, laryngotracheobronchitis and pneumonia) are the most frequent complications in children under five. Other complications include severe diarrhoea and related dehydration, seizures, blindness and encephalitis. Severe measles is more likely among malnourished young children, especially those with insufficient vitamin A, or whose immune systems have been weakened by HIV/AIDS or other diseases.

Composition of the Measles kit 2021 Rev 1

The Measles kit 2021 Rev 1 is using some modules of the PED/SAM 2021 with an additional new module: module 8  for measles mild cases.

The other modules : module 1, module 4, module 5, module 6 and module 7, have the same content as the PED/SAM 2020 Rev 1. However, when part of Measles kit , they are labeled “Measles kit 2021” for visibility.

The Measles kit 2021 Rev 1 is divided to 7 modules as below: 

Note that this kit does not contain vaccines or supplementary food (plumpy'nut or F-75, F-100) Those items need to be ordered separately on the WHO catalogue

Download the Measles kit 2021 Rev 1content list

Technical Info Note : Measles kit 2021

Module 1 – Medicines for severe cases

For management of 50 complicated cases for hospitalization/inpatient treatment.
It contains several oral and injectable antibiotics, medicines to treat diarrhoeas, vitamin A supplements.
This module does not contain supply such as needles, catheters, syringes ; those are in the module 6.   

Module 4 – Controlled medicines

Contains different controlled medicines. Be aware that import license is needed before shipment for the supplier to prepare the export license. 

Module 5 – Malaria medicines

For management of malaria to be used only in endemic areas .it contains malaria oral and injectable medicines as well as the A3 poster to ease the reconstitution of artesunate injectable. The medicines in that module are to treat about 150 cases of non-complicated malaria (60 babies and 90 infants).

Module 6 – Supplies and renewables

Contains supply and renewables such as gauze, bandages, syringes, IV line and reusable surgical tunic. This module goes along with module 1 (medicines).

Module 7a and B – Equipment

Part A contains various equipment scale, stethoscope and haemoglobinometer analyser (HemoCue® Hb 301).  Part B contains the HemoCue® Hb 301 microcuvettes.

Module 8 – Glucometer module

This is a completely new module which contains a glucometer with 300 strips and 300 lancet pens 28G. The module can be used in the paediatric ward or can be given to a diabetic patient.

Note that additional re-supply such as glucose strips, lancets, microcuvette Hb301 must be ordered through the catalogue. 

Module 9 – basic medicines for mild cases

For management of 20 non-severe (mild) cases for outpatient treatment. It contains medicines to be used at PHC. It does not contain any injectables. 

Target audience: Most cases of pneumonia require oral antibiotics, which are often prescribed at a health centre or at the community level by trained community health workers. Hospitalization is recommended for severe conditions such as severe pneumonia, severe dehydration, encephalitis, etc.

External guidelines

CDC - Interim infection prevention and control recommendations for measles in healthcare settings

Médecins Sans Frontières - Management of a measles epidemic