In Ungwan Kanawa, a village located in Tankarau, Dutsen-Abba Ward of Zaria Local Government Area in Kaduna State, a devastating measles outbreak has prompted a major shift in attitudes towards vaccination. After losing many children to the disease, previously resistant villagers are now embracing immunisation efforts.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a medical outreach event organised by the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, with support from UNICEF, several residents shared their painful experiences and newfound commitment to vaccinating their children. The outreach coincided with the African Vaccination/World Immunisation Week, observed from April 24 to 30, under the theme “Vaccination for all is Humanly Possible.”

Saudatu Safiyanu, a resident, recounted losing four out of her six children to measles and severe fever. Despite earlier opposition from her husband, she succeeded in convincing him to allow their remaining children to be vaccinated. Since then, she noted, her children have enjoyed good health.

Similarly, another resident, Adamu Musa, shared that he lost two children to measles, initially believing that vaccines were harmful. Having now witnessed the benefits, he actively promotes immunisation among other villagers.

The Village Head, Nasiru Yunusa, acknowledged that two-thirds of the community once rejected vaccinations. However, continuous enlightenment has reversed much of this resistance, although some families remain hesitant. He urged full community cooperation to ensure the wellbeing of all children.

Speaking at the outreach, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Gerida Birukila, highlighted the alarming rates of vaccination refusal three years ago, which contributed to the current measles outbreak. She stressed the urgent need for consistent vaccine supplies and called on parents and community leaders to support immunisation efforts.

Additionally, Hamza Ikara, Director of Disease Control at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, emphasized strengthening routine immunisation to curb maternal and infant mortality rates. He revealed that vaccination teams would continue their outreach to halt the spread of measles in Ungwan Kanawa and surrounding areas.

The community’s shift towards accepting vaccinations marks a hopeful turning point in protecting its children from preventable diseases.