Low Immunization Rate: Kaduna Community hit with Measles Outbreak
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
Measles outbreak has struck Ungwan Kanawa community in Dutsen-Abba Ward of Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, with 2 children dead and over 20 affected, highlighting the urgent need to boost routine immunization coverage across the region.
Officials from the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board confirmed the outbreak during an Execution Supervision of Mobile Health Clinic in the community on Thursday.
Speaking at the event which also marked the commemoration of the Africa Vaccination week, Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, Director of Disease Control and Immunization, revealed that many children in the community had either missed previous measles vaccination campaigns or had never been immunized at all.
“Despite outreach teams visiting regularly, many parents were reluctant to bring their children forward for immunization, largely due to refusal and non-compliance,” Ikara said.
He added that poor acceptance of vaccination had led to several measles cases and even deaths. In one family of nine, two children reportedly died from complications related to the disease.
The outbreak comes against the backdrop of a nationwide vaccine shortage, which has further complicated efforts to contain the spread. In response, the local government has ordered additional vaccine supplies from the state to conduct an emergency re-vaccination campaign.
“We have already strengthened surveillance in Ungwan Kanawa and surrounding communities.
“Vaccination teams are set to visit households by 4 p.m. today, following a successful sensitization drive that secured consent from community leaders and household heads,” Ikara stated.
Community hesitancy, fueled by misconceptions and the need for male household approval before immunization, had previously stalled vaccination efforts. However, recent engagements with religious and traditional leaders have started to shift perceptions in favor of immunization.
Also speaking during the visit, Dr. Gerida Birukila, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, emphasized the critical importance of routine immunization.
“This community had a 100% refusal rate for vaccination just three years ago,” she noted. “Today, we are witnessing the devastating impact of that refusal. Several children have contracted measles, and families are mourning preventable deaths.”
Dr. Birukila called for continued collaboration among parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government agencies, and development partners such as UNICEF and WHO to promote vaccination and save lives.
“Predictable funding and a reliable supply of vaccines are urgently needed to sustain immunization efforts and prevent future outbreaks,” she added.
Health authorities are urging parents and guardians to ensure their children receive all routine immunizations on schedule, warning that delayed or missed vaccinations leave communities vulnerable to outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and polio.
