A measles outbreak has struck Ungwan Kanawa community in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, claiming two lives and leaving at least 20 others infected, health officials confirmed on Monday.

According to medical experts, the outbreak is linked to years of vaccine hesitancy among parents in the region, which has left many children vulnerable to preventable diseases.

In response, the Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has intensified disease surveillance efforts and rolled out emergency vaccination campaigns in Zaria and surrounding communities.

Describing the situation as a “humanitarian emergency,” UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, raised concerns over vaccine shortages that are hampering swift containment efforts. She stressed the urgent need for consistent and reliable vaccine supplies to prevent further fatalities.

“We must ensure predictable vaccine availability to halt the spread and protect our children,” Dr. Birukila stated.

Meanwhile, health officials from the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board have mobilized outreach teams to identify, track, and immunize affected households. Efforts to boost routine immunization coverage are also underway, as authorities aim to curb rising mortality rates and prevent future outbreaks.

Residents are urged to cooperate with health workers and ensure their children receive the recommended immunization.