KNCDC Engages Traditional Rulers to Combat Diphtheria

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has engaged traditional rulers across Kano State’s emirates to promote vaccination against diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases. This initiative follows a diphtheria outbreak in Rano Local Government Area, which raised concerns about casualties and potential spread.

In response, the Federal Ministry of Health deployed 500,000 doses of vaccines and a special task force for rapid surveillance and response in Kano and Katsina states. Prof. Muhammad Adamu-Abbas, Director-General of KNCDC, emphasized the importance of vaccination during a meeting with district heads of the Kano Emirate Council, urging traditional leaders to mobilize communities for increased vaccine uptake and prompt reporting of suspected cases.

Dr. Bashir Dankadai, the Dankadai of Kano, assured support from traditional leaders, who will engage village heads to sensitize residents about vaccination and proper medical treatment for diphtheria. The KNCDC has also requested nine million additional vaccine doses to strengthen containment efforts.