News
MSF Launches Emergency Measles Vaccination Campaign in Zurmi, Zamfara State
MSF Launches Emergency Measles Vaccination Campaign in Zurmi, Zamfara State
By: Michael Mike
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in collaboration with Zamfara state Ministry of Health and Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) has launched an emergency measles vaccination campaign in Zurmi LGA, following an increase in the number of children suffering from the disease that has already claimed the lives of 24 children this year.
Most of the children who died were under five years old and had not been vaccinated.
The six-day campaign, which began today, 8 July, is targeting children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. The goal is to stop the spread of measles quickly and prevent more deaths. During the campaign, MSF teams will also check children for signs of malnutrition using a simple arm measurement (MUAC) and refer those who are undernourished to nearby health centres for treatment.
As of early May, more than 1,600 suspected measles cases have been reported across all 11 wards in Zurmi. The number of cases is much higher than usual and has passed the level considered an epidemic. Many of the children who became seriously ill had other health problems like eye infections, malaria, and poor nutrition, which made their condition worse. The death rate is currently 1.2%.
To reach as many children as possible, MSF is using both fixed vaccination sites and mobile teams that can travel to remote and hard-to-reach areas. The aim is to vaccinate at least 95% of children in the target age group to protect the wider community and stop the outbreak.
A previous vaccination campaign in June 2024 only reached 59% of children due to a shortage of vaccines and security issues in some areas. The current outbreak is worst in communities like Zurmi town, Dauran Birnin Tsaba, Mayasa Kuturu, and Rukudawa, where regular vaccination services are limited and access to healthcare is difficult.
“Children in Zurmi are facing a double crisis of disease and hunger,” said Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, MSF’s Head of Mission. “We are seeing a sharp rise in measles cases, along with high levels of malnutrition, which makes children even more vulnerable.”
A nutrition screening carried out in June 2024 showed that more than one in four children in Zurmi were undernourished, and over 4% were severely malnourished, well above emergency levels set by the World Health Organisation. The MSF-run treatment centre at Zurmi General Hospital continues to receive more and more children with serious nutrition-related complications.
MSF is calling on all partners and health authorities to support this urgent response and help ensure that every child in Zurmi gets the care and protection they need.
MSF Launches Emergency Measles Vaccination Campaign in Zurmi, Zamfara State
Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
A 42-year-old man, Shok Musa, has been killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Kafanchan in Kaduna state.
Zagazola gathered from reliable sources that the incident occurred on Sunday night near the victim’s shop at Ungwa Kanikon, Gidan Waya.
Security forces rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call, and found Musa with fatal gunshot injuries on his back.
“He was taken to Anglican Hospital, Gidan Waya, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His body was later deposited at the Kafanchan General Hospital mortuary,”said the sources.
The sources added that investigation had commenced, and efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna
Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have intensified patrols and security measures along the Abuja–Kaduna railway corridor, Rigasa train station, and the Abuja–Kaduna highway.
Sources said the move was part of efforts to protect critical transport infrastructure and forestall criminal attacks.
The sources stated that area commanders in Jere and Kakuri, as well as divisional police officers along the rail corridor, had been placed on red alert in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Rigasa train main station has been fortified, while patrols along the railway line and sub-stations have been intensified. Patrol vehicles deployed on the Abuja–Kaduna highway are maintaining 24-hour visibility, with hourly situation reports rendered accordingly,”said sources.
Security forces assured the public of its commitment to ensuring safe travel and the protection of lives and property across the state.
Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway
Two killed as troops repel bandit attack in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
At least two persons were killed following an attack by suspected bandits on villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident occurred on Sunday night when bandits invaded Babangida and Madugu villages.
The sources said that the military troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with the police and local patrol teams, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to abort a planned assault on Sabon Garin Safana village.
“However, two victims, identified as Shamsu Sani, 25, of Makera, and Abdurrashed Rabe, 25, of Tashar Mangwaro, sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital, Dutsinma, where they were confirmed dead,” said the sources.
The sources said that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits.
Two killed as troops repel bandit attack in Katsina
Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna
Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway
Two killed as troops repel bandit attack in Katsina
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