A measles outbreak in the Ungwan Kanawa community of Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has resulted in two deaths, with 20 others affected.
Health experts have linked the outbreak to years of parental refusal to vaccinate children. In response, the Kaduna State government, along with UNICEF and the WHO, is collaborating to enhance disease surveillance and initiate emergency re-vaccination campaigns across Zaria and surrounding areas.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, described the outbreak as a humanitarian emergency, stressing that the shortage of vaccines is hindering efforts to curb the spread. She highlighted the critical need for stable vaccine supplies to avoid further casualties.
In parallel, officials from the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board are intensifying routine immunization efforts and working to reduce mortality rates. Emergency vaccination campaigns are also underway, with outreach teams deployed to track and immunize affected households.