Two children die in Kaduna measles outbreak

No fewer than two children have lost their lives in a measles outbreak in the Unguwar Kanawa community of Tankarau, Dutsen Abba in Zaria Local Government Area of  Kaduna State.

Sunday news gathered that the outbreak has also left many other children seriously ill.

The Village Head, Nasiru Yunusa, disclosed that two children from the same family died just a week ago from the disease.

He attributed the deaths to the community’s initial reluctance toward vaccination, stating, “Two-thirds of our people didn’t vaccinate their children due to misconceptions.

However, many are now changing their attitudes because of the sickness and deaths we’ve seen.”

Yunusa also pointed out the lack of healthcare facilities in the area, with the nearest Primary Health Centre located seven kilometres away.

“Women now give birth at home because there is no clinic here. We are calling on the government to provide a health clinic for us,” he said.

A local housewife, Saude Safiyanu, shared the personal loss of four of her six children to preventable illnesses.

“We didn’t vaccinate our children because my husband didn’t approve of it. That’s how I lost four of my children. But I later realised the importance of vaccination, so I convinced him to allow me to vaccinate my last child. She is now healthy,” she explained.

In response to the outbreak, the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board has stepped up efforts to combat vaccine refusal and reduce maternal and child mortality.

The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the board confirmed that surveillance had been intensified, with outreach teams visiting households in the affected communities.

The United Nations Children’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, who visited the community during vaccination week activities, expressed concern over the high number of unvaccinated children.

“Three years ago, this community had 100% refusal of vaccination. Now, as you can see, many children are suffering from measles,” she said.