A measles outbreak has resulted in the deaths of two children and left more than 20 others ill in Ungwa Kanawa, located in Tankarau, Dutsen-Abba Ward of Zaria Local Government Area in Kaduna State.
The outbreak came to light during a field visit to the community, which coincided with the African Vaccination Week and World Immunization Week, celebrated from April 24 to 30, 2025, under the theme: “Vaccination for all is Humanly Possible.”
The visit, which included immunisation efforts, also served to monitor executive oversight of the ongoing Polio vaccination campaign and assess the impact of mobile outreach services in a zero-dose ward as part of the broader integrated primary healthcare strategy.
Confirming the outbreak, the Director of Disease Control at the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, explained that the visit was part of ongoing efforts to ensure effective interventions for polio immunisation nationwide.
Ikara emphasized that one major challenge has been the low uptake of routine immunizations, a critical approach to reducing maternal and child mortality rates across Nigeria.
“From our findings and discussions with community members, many children affected by measles had missed previous vaccination rounds or had never been immunised,” he said.
“Despite continuous outreach efforts, reluctance and refusal among parents to present their children for vaccinations remain significant barriers.”
He noted that awareness campaigns within the community have highlighted reasons behind the hesitancy, adding that measures are being taken to address these concerns.
In response to the situation, Ikara said he has instructed the Local Government Surveillance Officer to bolster surveillance activities and ensure comprehensive coverage of all settlements in Ungwa Kanawa, making sure no child displaying symptoms is overlooked.
Also speaking during the visit, Dr. Gerida Birukila, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kaduna, confirmed the measles outbreak and urged husbands to support their wives in presenting their children for vaccinations promptly.
The African Vaccination and World Immunization Week activities in Kaduna are being spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KDPHC), and UNICEF.
