Diphtheria outbreaks in Katsina and Kano states prompt intensified health interventions

In Katsina, the disease has affected 29 local government areas, with Funtua experiencing the highest burden. Dr. Shema’u Kabir, Acting Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency, reported that 67,670 eligible individuals received Td vaccines and 24,103 children received pentavalent vaccines in a reactive campaign targeting 15 high-risk wards. The state has secured 650,000 additional doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines and established three new isolation centers.

Challenges include suboptimal vaccination uptake, delayed hospital presentations, and the porous border with Niger Republic. The Nigerian Medical Association in Katsina noted that the Federal Teaching Hospital's isolation center is 70-80% occupied by diphtheria patients, with over 80% of affected patients being children, mostly under 10 years old. Dr. Mohammed Abubakar, state NMA chairman, highlighted gaps in routine immunization and inadequate isolation facilities.

In Kano State, Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, Director-General of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed two diphtheria-related deaths in Rano Local Government Area after investigating reports of 50 deaths. The investigation found evidence of ongoing transmission, inadequate routine immunization, and delayed medical care. Since 2022, Kano has confirmed over 32,000 diphtheria cases and more than 1,800 deaths, with over 16,000 confirm