BALAD, Somalia Jan 21, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Measles claimed at killed nine children in Middle Shabelle regional district of Balad of southern Somalia according to officials, Garowe Online reports.

In an interview with Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe, Balad Mayor Mohamed Mohamud Saney said that the outbreak killed nine while 20 others are in critical condition.

“I request Somalia Federal Government to dispatch health workers to Bal’ad,” said Saney.”Over the last six months, children under the age of 5 have not been vaccinated against Measles infections”.

Due to chronic insecurity, many have no access to primary health care in south-central regions, and deadly diseases including measles continue to grow rife.

In 2013 alone, over dozen people died from deadly polio outbreak in Hiraan and sool regions.

GAROWE ONLINE