10 children die from suspected measles outbreak in Abuja

At least 10 children have been reported dead in Damangaza community, Lokogoma district of Abuja.

NAN reports that the children died as a result of a suspected measles outbreak.

James Budebo, Damangaza community head, was said to have announced the fatalities during an outreach programme on Friday.

The programme was organised by Damangaza primary health care (PHC) and the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), a non-governmental organisation on health interventions in underserved communities.

The community head said there have been challenges over the acceptance of vaccines in the community.

Budebo emphasised the need for vaccination to prevent measles and its complications.

Longtang Shawen, a health worker at Damangaza PHC, said the outbreak compounded the community’s challenges with limited healthcare access.

She urged the residents to accept vaccination to protect their children from preventable diseases.

Chika Offor, VNDC chief executive officer (CEO), said the outreach was crucial to addressing the health crisis in the community.

She said the outreach aims to promote vaccine accessibility and accurate information to address community concerns and misconceptions.

Offor said the organisation was committed to supporting community dialogue on vaccination and public health measures.