Katsina Vaccinates 67,670 Amid Diphtheria Outbreak

The Katsina State Government has launched a reactive immunization campaign to combat a diphtheria outbreak, vaccinating 67,670 eligible individuals within the first three days. Shemau Abba Kabir, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, reported over 1,000 suspected diphtheria cases from January to August 2026, with preliminary data indicating that approximately five percent of these cases may have resulted in fatalities.

The disease has spread to 29 of the 34 local government areas, with Funtua, Kankia, Bakori, Katsina, Mashi, and Daura being the most affected. In response, the government has intensified disease surveillance and initiated targeted interventions, including reactive vaccination in 15 high-risk wards.

Three isolation centers have been established in Daura, Katsina, and Funtua to manage suspected and confirmed cases. The government has also provided essential medicines and trained health workers to enhance the response to the outbreak.