Kaduna State, UNICEF intensify efforts to contain deadly measles outbreak linked to vaccine hesitancy

Following a measles outbreak that has claimed at least two lives and infected 20 children in Unguwan Kanawa, Zaria, the Kaduna State Government and UNICEF are implementing emergency re-vaccination campaigns and community sensitization

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Kaduna State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have escalated their response to a significant measles outbreak in the Unguwan Kanawa community of Zaria Local Government Area.

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The outbreak, which has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least two children and affected no fewer than 20 others, is largely attributed to years of parental refusal to immunize their children due to persistent misconceptions about vaccination.

In a swift effort to contain the spread, the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board has mobilized outreach teams to identify, track, and immunize affected households.

Health officials are also actively engaging with the community to underscore the critical importance of vaccination.

The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Hamza Ibrahim, confirmed the deployment of surveillance and vaccination teams to households, emphasizing the agency’s multi-pronged approach to curtail the outbreak.

As you have observed for yourself, there is now a serious measles outbreak. Several children have never been immunised, and as a result, they are suffering from measles. In one family of nine, they have already lost two children and others are still sick. So, it is very important for the community to immunise their children.” – Dr Gerida Birukila, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Kaduna.

He noted that the affected community has a history of non-compliance with vaccination for the past decade.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, highlighted the alarming situation, noting that the community had a 100% vaccination refusal rate three years prior.

She lamented the current vaccine shortages while stressing the urgent need for predictable vaccine supplies.

Dr. Birukila commended the recent shift in the community’s acceptance of immunization, attributing it to interventions by community and religious leaders, as well as government efforts.

Dr. Hauwa Mahmud, Head of Health, Zaria Local Government Council, described the outbreak as a “blessing in disguise,” as it has led to the community’s agreement to accept vaccination against child-killer diseases after years of resistance.

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Following the outbreak and the prompt response, affected children received treatment, and the community has shown a newfound willingness to embrace immunization.

Quadri Olaitan