Posted on: Wed 18-02-2026

The management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging that children died at the facility after receiving the measles–rubella vaccine.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the hospital’s Head of Public Relations and Information Unit, Osaretin Iyen, the institution categorically stated that no child died as a result of receiving the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine.

The hospital described the circulating reports, which gained traction across sections of the media and social media, as inaccurate and capable of causing unnecessary panic among members of the public.

According to the statement, some children who received the vaccine at centres outside the hospital were later brought to the UBTH Children’s Emergency Ward with febrile illnesses.

“The Management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital dismisses as false and misleading reports circulating in sections of the media and social media that children died at the hospital after receiving the Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine.

“No child died as a result of receiving the Measles Rubella vaccine. The children who were brought to the hospital after taking the vaccine elsewhere were promptly attended to, treated, stabilised and subsequently discharged home in good health,” the statement read.

UBTH, however, confirmed that an eight-year-old boy with sickle cell disease who was admitted to the Children’s Emergency Ward died during the course of treatment. The hospital clarified that there was no evidence linking the child’s death to the measles–rubella vaccine.

While acknowledging that vaccines, like other medical interventions, may be associated with side effects, Iyen emphasised that there was no causal relationship between the MR vaccine and the reported death.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the Measles Rubella vaccine caused or contributed to the death in question,” he stated.

The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety, public health, and transparent communication. It urged journalists and members of the public to rely on verified information from credible health institutions and cautioned against the spread of unsubstantiated claims capable of undermining confidence in immunisation programmes.

UBTH further reassured the public that vaccines, including the measles–rubella vaccine currently being administered to children under 14 years of age, are safe, effective, and approved by relevant national and international health authorities.

The management also extended condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of all patients.

Allegations had emerged on Monday after some children were admitted to the hospital following vaccination, with a source claiming that the “rubella measles vaccine is killing children at UBTH” and alleging three deaths — claims the hospital has firmly denied.

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