Measles has become a significant concern in Adamawa state as at least 42 deaths have been reported out of nearly 200 suspected cases. This highly contagious virus mainly affects children under the age of five and can be prevented with two doses of vaccine. The outbreak primarily affected two local government areas, leading health commissioner Felix Tangwami to announce that measles vaccines had been distributed to the affected areas and field teams were working to contain the situation.
However, challenges in vaccination campaigns arise due to widespread insecurity in northern Nigerian states, with disruptions leaving children vulnerable. Groups like Boko Haram and criminal gangs have deepened security concerns in the region, forcing millions of people to flee their homes in one of the world’s ongoing humanitarian crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained the health system and vaccination programs in Nigeria, leading to a rise in measles cases, with reports of treating thousands of patients between October and December.
According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), over 50 million measles deaths have been prevented through vaccinations since 2000. However, achieving a 95 percent vaccination rate is necessary to suppress measles and prevent further outbreaks. Health workers face challenges in reaching rural communities, hindering vaccination efforts and contributing to virus spread among unvaccinated children. It is crucial for the government and international organizations to prioritize vaccination campaigns and address security issues that hinder access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations.