With the number of diphtheria cases increasing every day in Malappuram, a small section’s refusal to vaccinate their children has become a topic of national discussion. Fifteen of the 17 diphtheria cases reported from different parts of the district in recent weeks were Muslims. Although no religious group as such opposes immunisation, those turning away from it are invariably Muslims. Although some community leaders, including Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal, had appealed for immunisation, it made little impact among the minority section. Each one of us is duty-bound to abide by the immunisation guidelines issued by the health authorities to save our future generation,” said Mr. Bukhari.

Source: The Hindu July 02, 2016 18:56 UTC