Child rights panel seeks report on measles deaths in Keralam’s Malappuram
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has launched an investigation into two recent measles deaths in Malappuram. Authorities are reviewing vaccination records, as data shows a significant portion of children in the region remain unvaccinated.
Why it matters
Low vaccination rates in specific districts pose a serious public health risk, necessitating government intervention and awareness campaigns.
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has registered a suo motu case following the deaths of two children from measles in Malappuram district.
A 10-month-old from Valavannur near Kottakkal and an 18-month-old from Ponmala near Malappuram died after contracting measles.
The Commission has sought detailed reports from the Women and Child Development department and the District Medical Officer. The reports have to be submitted in 15 days.
The Commission will examine whether the children had received measles vaccines in time and whether there were any lapses in vaccination. It has also asked the authorities to identify areas or groups where there is reluctance to vaccination and find out the reasons.
According to Health department figures, around one-third of children in Malappuram have not received both doses of the measles vaccine in the past three years. In 2025-26, only 63% of children had received both doses.
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