Measles Kills 34 Children In Yobe State
Out of the 3,224 cases of measles recorded, 34 children has been reported to be killed by the disease.
This was disclosed by Hamidu Alhaji, the Permanent Secretary Of the Ministry Of Health. He made this known at the 2019 measles campaign flag off in Damaturu
October 2019 witnessed an outbreak of the disease in the state. The Secretary said the deaths in Yobe were the highest in the federation.
He further complained that measles is one of the major causes of death among the children.
“This child-killer disease is not only contagious but spreads like wildfire,” Alhaji said.
He observed that the state, in partnership with (NPHCDANational Primary Health Care Development Agency ) and development partners, would begin a campaign for measles vaccination to immunise children between the ages of nine months and five years.
The campaign would be carried out at community health centres and palaces of the areas and village heads as well as other approved centers for immunization.
“This vaccination campaign is aimed at boosting the immunity of our children. In addition to this booster dose, it is our obligation as parents to routinely immunize our children against all vaccine-preventable disease,” Alhaji said.
He appreciated the traditional and religious leaders for cooperating and encouraged them to make sure that the people under them get access to the immunization services at designated centers.
Hajiya Hassan, the Communication Consultant representing the UNICEF and other development partners, described measles as a terrible disease that had claimed the lives of about 36 children.
Parents and guardians were encouraged to bring their children and make them available for the immunization programs.
In conclusion of the event, District head of Bulabulin, Kalli Murfama, urged parents/guardians to avail their children the opportunity for regular immunization.
