'The World Health Organisation, WHO, yesterday said that Nigeria recorded 744 suspected cases of measles and two deaths between September and October, 2016 even as it reported that cases of measles are increasing in Bomo state. According to WHO, the-majority of the children affected were never vaccinated and most of them were aged less than 5 years. Reacting to the situation, Director for Disease Control, Bomo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Babagana Abiso, said: "This campaign will ensure that those communities that have been deprived of services in this long-term conflict are reached", he said. Abiso further noted that "The conflict in Bomo State has left millions of children with limited access to basic health care and at risk of diseases like measles and polio that could spread rapidly." "This campaign willensure that those communities that have been deprived of services in this long-term conflict are reached."
He explained that the state Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and other partners, efforts to reach more than 75 000 children aged 6 months to 15 years of age in 18 IDP camps, including Muna garage, Customs House and Fariya IDP camps where the campaigns have already commenced. By the end of November, the campaign will be expanded to 15 additional IDP camps in Maiduguri Municipal Council and Jere Local Government Areas.
Acting WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Rex Mpazanje said: "WHO is working with partners on the ground to deliver lifesaving services. Our immediate priorities are to provide emergency interventions like measles and polio vaccination campaigns and respond to the increasing number of malaria and diarrhoea cases."
Source:MWN
