Diphtheria Outbreaks in Katsina and Kano: Urgent Response

Diphtheria outbreaks have been reported in 29 local government areas of Katsina State, leading to intensified emergency vaccination and surveillance efforts. The Acting Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Shema’u Kabir, indicated that Funtua has the highest burden, with Kankia, Bakori, Katsina, Mashi, and Daura also significantly affected.

A reactive vaccination campaign targeting 15 high-risk wards has been launched, with 67,670 eligible individuals receiving Td vaccines and 24,103 children receiving pentavalent vaccines within the first three days. The government secured an additional 650,000 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines.

In Kano State, two diphtheria-related deaths were confirmed in Rano Local Government Area. The Nigerian Medical Association in Katsina raised concerns about the pressure on the Federal Teaching Hospital, where 70-80% of the isolation center is occupied by diphtheria patients.

Dr Mohammed Abubakar noted that more than 80% of affected patients are children, with rising cases attributed to gaps in routine immunization and inadequate facilities.