The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has intensified efforts to control a measles outbreak in Zaria Local Government Area, which has claimed at least two lives.
The outbreak, reported in the Unguwan Kanawa community, has affected no fewer than 20 children, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the death toll may be as high as six. Health authorities have attributed the spread to persistent parental refusal to vaccinate children, fuelled by widespread misconceptions about immunisation.
In one severely affected household, two of nine children have died, and several others remain infected.
In response, the state government and UNICEF have launched emergency re-vaccination campaigns in Zaria and strengthened disease surveillance. The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board has deployed outreach teams to identify and immunise children in affected areas, as well as to conduct community sensitisation.
Mr Hamza Ibrahim, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, confirmed that surveillance teams were already on the ground, with immunisation teams conducting house-to-house visits. He also announced the launch of a rapid immunisation response team in the area.
Officials from the State Ministry of Health and development partners have been dispatched to assess the situation. Mr Ibrahim noted that the Unguwan Kanawa community had resisted vaccination efforts for over a decade.
He explained that April, which marks African Immunisation Week, is dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of immunisation. “Unfortunately, this outbreak has emerged during this period, underscoring the need to understand and address the causes of vaccine refusal,” he said.
Despite the presence of 255 upgraded primary health centres across Kaduna State, Mr Ibrahim noted that the affected community’s nearest facility is 7km away. Outreach services have now been initiated to bridge this gap and facilitate care.
He acknowledged the community’s grievances with the health facility, which contributed to longstanding resistance. “We’re working to resolve these issues amicably. We’ve also discovered a rejection of the polio vaccine, and we are following up to ensure every child receives routine immunisation within the first year of life,” he said.
According to Mr Ibrahim, resistance to vaccination is rooted in misinformation and neglect. “Many believe immunisation is unnecessary and prefer herbal remedies. In some cases, women need spousal permission before consenting to vaccination,” he explained.
He assured that dialogue with the community would continue, with full community involvement in immunisation activities.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr Gerida Birukila, revealed that the community had a 100% vaccine refusal rate three years ago. “Today, there is a serious outbreak. Several children have never been immunised and are now suffering from measles,” she said.
Dr Birukila cited a case in which a family lost two of nine children to measles, with others still battling the illness. She stressed the urgent need for vaccine uptake and noted that, despite a national vaccine shortage, efforts were ongoing to secure adequate supplies.
“The refusal is largely due to a lack of trust in vaccines. But with support from community and religious leaders, more parents are beginning to accept immunisation,” she noted.
She also highlighted the government’s support in broadening healthcare delivery to ensure more comprehensive community care.
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Dr Birukila appealed to parents, traditional and religious leaders, and partners to support immunisation efforts to save lives, and she expressed optimism for sustained funding and engagement.
In a related development, Dr Hauwa Mahmud, Head of Health at Zaria Local Government Council, described the outbreak as a “Blessing in disguise.” She noted that Unguwan Kanawa, located in Dutsen Abba Ward, had long rejected vaccination and orthodox medicine.
During a UNICEF-led visit to document a local woman’s decision to accept vaccination , part of African Vaccination Week activities the team discovered the outbreak of the nine children hospitalised, seven have been discharged, while two remain under care due to complications.
Dr Mahmud said the council’s swift response had helped improve community attitudes towards immunisation.
Meanwhile, Dr Paul Yohanna, Chief Medical Director of Patrick Yakowa General Hospital, Kafanchan, confirmed that no measles cases had been reported in that region.
