|
|
Somalia: 18 children killed by Measles outbreak in southern Somalia
Tue. July 15, 2008 06:44 am.- By Bonny Apunyu. -
(SomaliNet) A Measles outbreak in southern Somalia has killed at least 18 children under the age of five, residents said on Monday. The children died in villages close to Jowhar town, north of Somali capital Mogadishu. Residents blame health officials of laxity.
"Six children have died this week from measles in Dumal village and 10 others are seriously ill," said resident Hasan Mohamud.
"The other 12 have died in nearby villages…All the children were not vaccinated against measles. We appeal for urgent help because hundreds of children are at risk," he said.
Lack of nearby health facilities have contributed to the spread of the disease. The nearest health centre is 40 kilometres away from Jowhar.
According to the United Nations Children Agency, measles is a leading cause of childhood death in Somalia, where only 5 per cent of infants have been immunised.-Agencies
News Category: Somalia
Latest Headlines
|
News 
