Katsina Health Workers to Strike Amid Diphtheria Crisis

Health workers in Katsina State have announced a seven-day warning strike set to commence at midnight on September 8, 2026, amid a diphtheria outbreak affecting 29 of the state's 34 local government areas. The Assembly of Health Care Professionals (AHAPN), which includes various health workers' unions, issued the notice on September 1, signed by leaders from the Association of Hospital and Health Care Professionals of Nigeria (AHAPN), National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), and Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).

This industrial action follows a 21-day ultimatum given to the state government on August 11, which expired without any significant response to their longstanding demands. The health workers expressed frustration over the government's lack of seriousness in addressing their grievances and warned that an indefinite strike could follow if their demands remain unaddressed after the warning period.

They urged the public to hold the government accountable for any disruptions caused by the strike.