Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in partnership with the Zamfara State Ministry of Health and Zurmi Local Government Area, has launched an emergency measles vaccination campaign in response to a deadly outbreak in Zurmi, Zamfara State.
The six-day campaign, which began on July 8, targets children aged 6 months to 5 years following a surge in measles cases that have already claimed 24 lives—mostly unvaccinated children under five.
MSF reports that more than 1,600 suspected cases have been recorded across Zurmi’s 11 wards as of May, surpassing the epidemic threshold. Many affected children are also battling co-existing conditions such as malaria, eye infections, and severe malnutrition, contributing to a case fatality rate of 1.2%.
To reach at least 95% of children in the target age group, MSF is deploying fixed vaccination points and mobile teams to cover hard-to-reach communities. The organization is also conducting malnutrition screenings using MUAC (mid-upper arm circumference) tools, with referrals to treatment centers for undernourished children.
The outbreak is most severe in areas like Zurmi town, Dauran Birnin Tsaba, Mayasa Kuturu, and Rukudawa—locations with limited healthcare access and poor routine vaccination coverage. A previous campaign in June 2024 reached only 59% of eligible children due to vaccine shortages and insecurity.
“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 recent nutrition survey found over 25% of children undernourished in Zurmi, with more than 4% severely affected—exceeding emergency levels set by the World Health Organisation. MSF’s treatment centre at Zurmi General Hospital continues to receive high numbers of critically ill children.
MSF is urging government and humanitarian partners to strengthen the response and ensure all children receive lifesaving vaccines and nutritional care.
