El Geneina, March 13(Darfur 24)
The Ministry of Health in West Darfur State dispatched a medical team to Forbaranga locality, 170 km south of El Geneina, to investigate the facts and assess the health situation following reports of a frightening outbreak of measles among children.
The Director General of the Ministry of Health in West Darfur State, Dr. Abdulsalam Mustafa Saleh, confirmed to Darfur 24 the emergence of measles cases among children in Forbaranga locality, adding that at least 40 cases have been recorded.
He indicated that they had sent a medical team to investigate the facts, analyze the situation, and work to contain the disease. He explained that the emergence of measles cases confirms a flaw in routine vaccination campaigns.
For his part, Hafiz Sharif Abdo, an immunization officer in For Baranga locality, said in a voice message circulating on social media that there is a frightening spread of measles in several residential neighborhoods within the city and some administrative units. He added that some of the cases have come from Chad.
He called on citizens to immediately report any cases of illness to combat the disease and reduce its spread. He explained that all cases arriving at For Baranga Hospital are being treated free of charge by Doctors Without Borders.
He added that routine vaccination doses for children under one year old are available at the hospital.