Drug in vaccine that killed Syrian children has been identified, says WHO


Fifteen children died in northern Syria due to the incorrect use of a drug in a measles vaccine, according to the World Health Organization, WHO.

The children from Syria's Idlib province received the contaminated measles vaccination as part of a UN immunization campaign in September.

A WHO investigation revealed that the vaccine was incorrectly reconstituted with a muscle relaxant drug.

Ampoules of the drug were mistakenly added to vaccination packs prepared in a distribution centre in Idlib province.

It was then supplied to four health teams on the second day of the measles campaign.
WHO called the incident a "tragic event."

It is urging health partners to rebuild confidence in vaccination programmes and ensure that all children have access to life saving immunizations.

SOURCE: Daniel Dickinson, United Nations.