A measles outbreak in the Unguwar Kanawa community of Tankarau, Dutsen Abba, Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has claimed the lives of at least two children and left many others seriously ill.
The Village Head, Nasiru Yunusa, confirmed that the deaths of two children from the same family occurred just a week ago. He attributed the fatalities to the community’s initial reluctance to vaccinate their children due to misconceptions. Yunusa shared, “Two-thirds of our people didn’t vaccinate their children due to misconceptions. However, many are now changing their attitudes because of the sickness and deaths we’ve seen.”
The community also faces a significant lack of healthcare facilities, with the nearest Primary Health Centre located seven kilometers away. Yunusa called on the government to establish a health clinic in the area, noting that women often give birth at home due to the absence of medical facilities.
Local resident Saude Safiyanu shared her personal tragedy, having lost four of her six children to preventable illnesses. “We didn’t vaccinate our children because my husband didn’t approve of it. That’s how I lost four of my children. But I later realised the importance of vaccination, so I convinced him to allow me to vaccinate my last child. She is now healthy,” she explained.
In response to the outbreak, the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board has ramped up efforts to combat vaccine refusal and address maternal and child mortality. The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation confirmed that surveillance has been strengthened, with outreach teams visiting affected households.
Dr. Gerida Birukila, the United Nations Children’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, expressed concern over the high number of unvaccinated children. “Three years ago, this community had 100% refusal of vaccination. Now, as you can see, many children are suffering from measles,” she remarked during a visit to the community’s vaccination week activities.
