Measles outbreak in 13 LGAs in Niger State
Niger State recorded an outbreak of measles in 13 local government areas of the state during the COVID-19 (C19) pandemic lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the pandemic.
Mrs. Fatima Abdullah, the Director of Immunisation and Diseases, Control disclosed this during a one-day media orientation on measles immunization awareness on Friday in Minna, the state capital.
The event was organized by the Niger State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NSPHCDA) in partnership with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).
She explained that during the lockdown, many caregivers did not take their children to health facilities for routine immunization, which she attributed to the fear of contracting the virus.
“Even though the health facilities were opened for 24 hours’ services, many parents failed to take their children for routine immunization because they were afraid of contracting Coronavirus.
“All services such as routine immunization, antenatal and family planning were available to serve everyone, but most mothers failed to access the service during the lockdown,” she said.
Mrs. Abdullah solicited the support of the media in creating awareness on the need for mothers to take their children to health facilities within their ward for immunization while observing the COVID-19 containment regulations.
Mr. Ahmed Abdulsalam, Programme Manager, State Emergency Routine Immunisation Coordination, in a presentation, disclosed that there were records of measles in 13 local government areas.
He said the local government areas are Bida, Bosso, Chanchaga, Munya, Kontagora, Mariga, Mashegu, Rafi, Gbako, Shiroro, Tafa, Suleja, Lavun, adding that Bosso, Munya, and Suleja have high records of outbreaks within the last one month.
“We are yet to record any death, but we have records of outbreaks of measles in the state,” he said.
According to him, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic affected routine immunization globally, thereby leading to outbreaks of measles and other diseases.
He said the state would embark on sensitization on routine immunization and its importance.
He disclosed that over two million children under five years had died from measles globally and about 97 percent of death occurred in undeveloped countries.
The UNICEF State Lead, Teni Sheru, advised mothers and pregnant women not to allow COVID-19 serves as a hindrance to them from accessing routine immunization.
“For a while now, the state has recorded an outbreak of measles because of the failure of parents to take them for routine immunization especially during the lockdown. These vaccines prevent children from contracting diseases,” she said.
Also, Deputy Director Immunisation, NSPHCDA, Mr. Samuel Jiya, said over 1,500 health facilities across the state were offering free and safe routine immunization.
Mr. Jiya urged all mothers and pregnant women to visit the facilities to access the services.
“We must take measles and immunization seriously to avoid the death of millions of children. We are calling on the media to support our campaign to eliminate measles and other killer diseases,” he said.
Ayooluwa Joshua