• 27 Apr, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

Measles Outbreak Claims Lives of Five Children in Kaduna Community

A measles outbreak has struck Unguwar Kanawa in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leaving at least five children dead and many others hospitalized. The tragedy has been linked to vaccine hesitancy driven by widespread misinformation about immunization.

Nasiru Yunusa, the village head, confirmed that two children from one family died just a week ago. He attributed the outbreak’s severity to the community’s past resistance to vaccines, though he noted a shift in attitudes. “Two-thirds of our people were against vaccinating their children, but now, many are reconsidering due to the illnesses and deaths we’ve seen,” he said.

Yunusa also highlighted the lack of nearby medical services, with the closest health facility about seven kilometers away. “Women are forced to give birth at home. We urgently need a clinic,” he appealed.

Saude Safiyanu, a local resident, shared her personal loss — four of her six children died from preventable diseases, including measles. She said her husband initially opposed vaccination, but after the repeated tragedies, she insisted on immunizing their youngest daughter, who is now healthy. “Our men used to reject vaccination, but after these painful losses, their thinking is changing,” she said, urging other mothers to protect their children through immunization.

The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board has confirmed the outbreak and launched emergency vaccination efforts. Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, the board’s Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, said surveillance has been increased in the area, and vaccination teams have been dispatched to ensure no symptomatic child is missed.

Dr. Birukila, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, visited the community and expressed concern about the high number of unvaccinated children. “Three years ago, this community had complete vaccine refusal. Now many children are suffering as a result,” she said. She praised local leaders for encouraging immunisation but emphasized the need for continued commitment.

She also noted the challenge of securing enough vaccine doses nationwide, calling for consistent vaccine supplies to protect children from future outbreaks.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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