Kano State appeals for vaccines amid diphtheria outbreak claiming 50 lives

Kano State, Nigeria, is grappling with a severe diphtheria outbreak that has claimed the lives of more than 50 children, prompting an urgent appeal from the state government for additional vaccines from the Federal Government.

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Kano State has even written to the Federal Government to get more and more vaccines so that we vaccinate our people.

Prof. Muhammad Abbas, Director-General of the Kano Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), made the appeal during a press conference, emphasizing the need for mass vaccination campaigns across the state. The outbreak was brought to light by the state House of Assembly, which reported the tragic toll in Rano and other local government areas. "Kano State has even written to the Federal Government to get more and more vaccines so that we vaccinate our people," Prof. Abbas stated.

He also stressed the importance of early reporting, appealing to residents, particularly parents, to seek prompt medical attention at healthcare facilities for diphtheria and other symptoms. "We are appealing to parents to please report early. Early presentation to healthcare facilities is what saves," he urged. Prof. Abbas expressed concern that despite the deployment of 126 disease surveillance and notification officers across the state's 44 local government areas, some residents have failed to report cases, leading to delayed treatment.

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We are appealing to parents to please report early. Early presentation to healthcare facilities is what saves.

Data from the KNCDC reveals a grim picture, with over 38,000 suspected cases recorded since 2022, out of which more than 31,000 have been confirmed. Alarmingly, over 55 percent of these cases involve "zero-dose" children who have not received any vaccinations, while another 16 percent were partially immunized. This highlights a significant challenge in achieving adequate immunization coverage within the state.

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So, it is really disheartening that we will have cases that are up to 50 that have not been reported to the hospital.

Prof. Abbas mentioned that his team is actively investigating the situation in Rano, employing verbal autopsies to understand the causes of death, especially when other diseases might be involved. The state government, under Governor Abba Yusuf, has been actively managing the diphtheria situation since the administration took office. The appeal for more vaccines underscores the critical need for resources to combat the escalating public health crisis and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.

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We want to appeal to people: come to the clinics, come to the hospital. If the hospitals feel these cases are greater than what they can handle, they will refer them to us, and we will do the needful.