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Up to 100 children die from tainted measles vaccine in Syria

18 September 2014 13:39 (UTC +04:00)

The diplomat told Itar-Tass that he had information about the death of 100 children. Jaafari said the tainted vaccine was made in Turkey. He said Syria urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to investigate the incident.

UN head’s deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters on Wednesday that the UN Children’s Fund (UNCEF) and WHO were shocked by the reports of children’s death in Syria’s Idlib province. However, he said, UNICEF has confirmed only 15 deaths. Haq said UNICEF and WHO were “deeply concerned” and awaiting further clarification. He confirmed the immunization campaign was held with support of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The UN official stressed that the incident will be investigated.

A few days ago, measles vaccination campaign was held in Idlib province.