Kaduna Govt, UNICEF Intensify Response as Measles Kills Two Children in Zaria
The Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has intensified efforts to contain a measles outbreak in Zaria that has killed at least two children and infected over 20 others, primarily due to years of vaccine hesitancy in the affected community.
The outbreak, reported in Unguwan Kanawa, Zaria Local Government Area, has been traced to parental refusal to immunise children—a trend linked to deep-rooted misconceptions and mistrust surrounding vaccination. Reports indicate that one family lost two children out of nine siblings, with several more still battling the disease. Conflicting sources, however, suggest up to six child fatalities.
In response, the state government, through the Primary Health Care Board, and supported by UNICEF, has launched emergency vaccination and disease surveillance campaigns. Outreach teams have been deployed to track unvaccinated children and administer measles vaccines directly in affected households.
Hamza Ibrahim, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, said the government has activated a rapid response team and is engaging with residents to address longstanding issues of mistrust. “The community has had 100% non-compliance with immunisation for nearly a decade. We’re not just responding to the outbreak—we’re working on long-term behavioural change,” he stated.
Ibrahim acknowledged the distance to the nearest health facility and community grievances as contributing factors to the hesitancy. He also revealed plans to strengthen mobile outreach services and engage community leaders to build trust and resolve conflicts.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, described the situation as alarming, noting that many children had never received any vaccines. “There’s a serious outbreak, and in one family, two children have already died. Vaccine refusal has had deadly consequences,” she said.
She further highlighted vaccine supply challenges and called for predictable funding and coordinated efforts from parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and the government to support immunisation uptake.
Dr. Hauwa Mahmud, Head of Health in Zaria LGA, described the outbreak as a “blessing in disguise,” as it prompted renewed community engagement and acceptance of vaccines. She noted that out of nine children hospitalised, seven had been discharged, and the remaining two were recovering from complications.
Meanwhile, no cases have been reported in Kafanchan, according to Dr. Paul Yohanna, CMD of Patrick Yakowa General Hospital.
Authorities continue to urge residents to embrace immunisation to prevent further outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
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