UNICEF: Nigeria's Annual Measles Toll: 17,000

Nigeria Faces 17,000 Measles Cases Every Year

“Measles affects all ages and sexes, but about 70 per cent of measles cases affect mostly children less than a year old...”

Nigeria Launches Measles Vaccination Campaign: 26 States Targeted, 17,000 Annual Cases to be Eradicated

UNICEF has sounded the alarm on measles cases in Nigeria, revealing that a staggering 17,000 cases are recorded annually. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for parents to ensure their children receive the measles vaccine, as the disease claims more young lives than other vaccine-preventable ailments.

According to Uju Eze, a strategic behavior communication consultant at UNICEF, this warning was issued at a stakeholders' engagement and town hall meeting for the 2024 Integrated Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIAs) in Awka, Anambra State's capital. This meeting aimed to rally support for immunization efforts and emphasize the critical role parents play in protecting their children from measles.

The Measles Threat: Key Facts

Annual Measles Cases: Over 17,000 cases recorded in Nigeria every year

Vaccine Importance: Measles vaccine crucial in preventing measles-related deaths

Childhood Risk: Measles claims more children's lives than other vaccine-preventable diseases

By highlighting these alarming statistics, UNICEF seeks to encourage parents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children's health through timely vaccination. This collaborative effort between parents, healthcare providers, and organizations like UNICEF is crucial in combating the spread of measles and ensuring a healthier future for Nigeria's children.

The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) teamed up with key partners, including the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, CHAI, and AFENET, to host a town hall meeting aimed at promoting healthcare development in the state. This collaborative effort brought together stakeholders to discuss critical health issues and find solutions to improve primary healthcare services in Anambra State.

“Measles disease caused by the measles virus is highly infectious. It kills more children than any other vaccine- preventable disease, and over 17,000 measles cases are reported yearly in Nigeria,” she said.

“Measles affects all ages and sexes, but about 70 per cent of measles cases affect mostly children less than a year old, and this results from low levels of routine immunisation coverage.”

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, poses a significant threat to young children. Fortunately, it can be easily prevented with a simple vaccine. The disease spreads rapidly through airborne respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms of measles typically emerge 10-14 days after exposure and include:

• Persistent cough
• Runny nose
• Inflamed eyes
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Blotchy skin rash

According to Uju Eze, vaccinating children against measles is crucial to safeguarding their health. “Vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from measles and its potentially life-threatening complications,” Eze emphasized.

Nigeria is taking bold steps to combat measles. Josephine Erugo of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency announced that the Federal Government is rolling out supplementary immunization activities in 26 states to meet global eradication targets. This initiative is crucial, considering Nigeria records over 17,000 measles cases annually.

Anambra State's Measles Vaccination Campaign

Anambra is gearing up for its measles vaccination campaign, set to kick off on October 12 and wrap up on October 18. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), confirmed the state's readiness to implement the program, emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement.

Vaccination Details

Target Age Group: Children from 9 to 59 months

Vaccination Sites: Health facilities, fixed and mobile posts in communities, churches, schools, and markets.

Goal: Immunize over 1.1 million children in Anambra State.

Uju Onwuegbuzina, State Health Educator at ASPHCDA, urged parents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their children from measles. 

Let's hope this campaign is a huge success!