Improper measles vaccination leaves 4 children dead

TIRINKOT (Pajhwok): Improper measles vaccination has left four children dead and eight others in critical condition in the Gizab district of southern Ghazni province, an official alleged on Sunday.

Dost Mohammad Nayab, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News that a measles vaccination drive was conducted in the district last week.

Due to flawed vaccination, four children died while eight others were evacuated to a health centre in Daikundi in critical condition, the official said without giving details.

Public Health Director Dr. Khan Agha Miakhel said he had contacted the officials concerned in Daikundi and they said the children under treatment were in stable condition.

About the wrong administration of vaccine, he acknowledged the drive was not conducted properly due to a shortage of professionally trained medics in remote areas of the province.

He explained the vaccine should be administered within six hours after the vial was opened. The director feared the measles vaccine might have been used several hours after the vial opening.

Dr. Miakhel added the vaccine should be kept in a warm place but the weather in Gizab was generally hot. He has dispatched a delegation to the area to investigate the allegations.

nh/mud

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