Diphtheria Outbreak Claims 50 Lives in Kano, Urgent Action Needed

Diphtheria has resulted in the deaths of 50 children in Kano, as reported by Ibrahim Muhammad, the lawmaker representing Rano Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly. He highlighted that the outbreak is particularly severe in Ridin and Sabuwar Kaura communities, with many other children currently hospitalized.

During a plenary session, Muhammad called for additional emergency support from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Commissioner for Health to help the affected areas. Usman Abubakar Tasiu, representing Kiru Constituency, noted that the outbreak has also spread to communities in Kiru, including Kwanar Dangora, Dangora town, and Yelwan Paki.

He proposed the formation of an emergency committee to coordinate efforts across several local government areas. Saleh Ahmad, representing Dawakin Tofa Constituency, emphasized the need for intensified vaccination and preventive measures due to the contagious nature of diphtheria.

Majority Leader Lawan Husseini urged the government to invoke the state’s Health Protection Law to manage the outbreak effectively. The House adopted the motion and directed its Committee on Health to collaborate with the Ministry of Health for emergency relief.