The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has backed India's efforts to increase measles vaccination in the country through routine immunisation and anti-measles campaigns.
In a statement issued here, UNICEF said it strongly supported the government's efforts in increasing measles vaccination campaigns.
The statement assumes importance in the wake of four children dying reportedly after they were given measles vaccine during a routine immunisation drive at Mohanlal Ganj area of Lucknow.
Inquiry on
An inquiry into the incident is under way to ascertain the cause of the deaths and fix responsibilities on those handling the immunisation programme. While it is not known for sure what shots the children were given, the possibility of improper handling of cold chain and procedures is also being probed by a Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry.
The UNICEF statement said measles was among the world's most contagious diseases and one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide.
