Dr. Abdullahi Karaunmata, the state Epidemiologist, stated that contact tracing teams have been deployed throughout the state, particularly in high-burdened Local Government Areas, to track affected patients.

He disclosed that cases of diphtheria have been reported in 31 out of the 44 LGAs in the state. To address the situation, the government has established two dedicated treatment centers for patients infected with diphtheria.

Dr. Karaunmata highlighted that the resurgence of diphtheria may be linked to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions in routine immunization efforts and left many children unimmunized. Additionally, some parents or caregivers have expressed hesitancy in taking their children for vaccination.

In light of the situation, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has listed Kano among the states with the highest number of confirmed diphtheria cases, including reported fatalities among children. The government is taking the outbreak seriously and working diligently to curb its spread and provide necessary medical attention to those affected.

“Currently, we have more than 100 cases on admission. We have treated and discharged over 2,000.

“Diphtheria has been reported in 31 out of the 44 LGAs in the state.“

Through the epidemiology unit, we have now established contact tracing teams across the high-burden LGAs.

The team is actively searching for the children, with symptoms of diphtheria. With this development we have focused our searchlight in all nooks and crannies of the state, searching for these patients.

“Another effort, since January, this year, the Kano State government through the Ministry of Health, established a technical working group on diphtheria, comprising a team of experts from different technical backgrounds, with the support of development partners.

The committee is saddled with the responsibility of controlling the outbreak in the state. Every day, a series of meetings were held, and incident management has since been activated.

“Already, the Kano State Government has established a well-equipped diphtheria treatment centre at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

And it has been provided with well-trained human resources, with the support of MSF and other partners, just as cases have been managed and discharged continuously.