A measles outbreak in Ungwan Kanawa, Zaria, has killed two and affected 20. The outbreak is linked to parents refusing vaccinations. The Kaduna State government, UNICEF, and WHO are launching emergency re-vaccination campaigns and strengthening disease surveillance. However, vaccine shortages are hindering efforts, and health officials are intensifying routine immunization to reduce mortality.

A recent measles outbreak in the Ungwan Kanawa community, located in the Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, with an additional 20 individuals affected by the disease.

Health experts have attributed the outbreak to years of parental refusal to vaccinate their children, a situation that has contributed to the spread of the disease. In response to this, the Kaduna State government, in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), is taking decisive steps to address the crisis. They are working together to enhance disease surveillance and initiate emergency re-vaccination campaigns aimed at protecting the population in Zaria and surrounding areas.

Dr. Gerida Birukila, the Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kaduna, has described the measles outbreak as a humanitarian emergency. She has raised concerns that a shortage of vaccines is further complicating efforts to contain the disease's spread. Despite these challenges, Dr. Birukila stressed the importance of ensuring a steady and reliable supply of vaccines to prevent further fatalities.

In addition to these emergency measures, officials from the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board are focused on increasing routine immunization efforts in order to reduce the mortality rate. As part of these efforts, emergency vaccination campaigns are underway, with outreach teams actively working to track and vaccinate households that have been impacted by the outbreak.