Lagos begins measles immunisation
Amidst news of sporadic outbreak of measles in some parts of the country, the Lagos State Government has commenced immunization against the disease for children aged nine to 59 months.
The exercise which began on Thursday January 28 is expected to end on Tuesday February 1. The government, in a statement on Friday, said the targeted children would be immunised irrespective of their previous immunisation status.
Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. In 1980, before widespread vaccination, measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.
According to the World health Organisation (WHO), The disease remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Approximately 114 900 people died from measles in 2014 – mostly children under the age of 5.
In 2014, WHO further disclosed that about 85% of the world’s children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday through routine health services – up from 73% in 2000. Also, during 2000-2014, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 17.1 million deaths making measles vaccine one of the best buys in public health.
About author
You might also like
Why Nigerians shun PHCs – Okara
Immediate past president, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, Dr. Godswill Okara, on Friday decried ‘increasing’ neglect of primary health centres, PHCs, by Nigerians for secondary and tertiary
Deadly heart conditions to watch
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim about 17.3 million lives worldwide each year and the number is rising. It is expected that by 2030, about
Facts you should know about Zika virus infection, Zika fever
What is Zika virus infection? Zika virus infection is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, usually causing mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis, and muscle pain. The virus was
0 Comments
No Comments Yet!
You can be first to comment this post!