Nigeria’s health authorities have launched a coordinated emergency response to contain a diphtheria outbreak in Kano and Katsina, deploying vaccines, expanding treatment, and increasing surveillance amid rising child fatalities.
Nigeria’s health authorities have activated an emergency task force after diphtheria outbreaks were reported in parts of Kano and Katsina states, with officials moving to tighten surveillance, widen vaccination coverage and speed up treatment for affected children.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said Muhammad Pate ordered the response as part of efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases and improve the country’s ability to handle outbreaks. Ado Bako, an assistant director in the ministry’s information department, said the government wanted a swift, coordinated and evidence-based response to bring the situation under control.
The task force brings together federal and state health officials, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and representatives from the affected states. It will be co-led by the heads of the NCDC and the public health directorate, while the ministry’s chief epidemiologist will act as secretary.
Authorities are also stepping up vaccination efforts. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency has deployed 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccine to Kano and Katsina, according to the ministry. Health workers are being urged to identify children who missed routine immunisation, especially in communities where protection levels are low and transmission may be easier.
The response also includes plans to expand treatment capacity in Katsina State. The government is working with state authorities to establish treatment annexes across the Katsina, Daura and Funtua senatorial districts, while emergency support is being mobilised for the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina, the main referral centre for the state and nearby areas. That support includes diphtheria antitoxin, intravenous antibiotics, extra clinical staff and protective equipment.
The action follows reports of child deaths in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State, where a lawmaker recently called for urgent intervention over what he described as a severe outbreak. Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads mainly through droplets from coughing and sneezing or close contact. It can cause fever, sore throat and a thick membrane in the throat that can block breathing, and in severe cases it may lead to heart and nerve damage.
Nigeria has recorded more than 40,000 suspected diphtheria cases and more than 1,000 deaths since the outbreak began in 2022, according to the ministry. The new task force is expected to give weekly updates to Pate on the response, emerging problems and further needs.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
