Niger records 124 diphtheria cases, 17 deaths — Commissioner

The Niger State Government in Nigeria has confirmed 17 deaths from diphtheria out of 124 cases recorded across three local government areas in the last seven months. Commissioner for Health, Murtala Bagana, announced that 103 patients have been treated and discharged, with three new cases recently identified and one patient currently receiving treatment.

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The government was strengthening disease surveillance, case management, immunisation and public awareness to contain the spread of diphtheria.

Bagana stated that the government is strengthening disease surveillance, case management, immunization, and public awareness initiatives to contain the spread of the disease. He urged parents and caregivers to ensure children receive all recommended vaccines, emphasizing that routine immunization is critical for preventing diphtheria, measles, and other vaccine-preventable illnesses. The commissioner also highlighted the government's commitment to improving primary healthcare delivery.

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Routine immunisation remained critical to preventing diphtheria, measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

In addition to diphtheria control, the state government is targeting the completion and operationalization of 100 out of 274 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) being upgraded by the end of 2026. This initiative aims to enhance access to quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities. Governor Mohammed Bago's administration prioritizes health sector investment through infrastructure development and partnerships.

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The state government was targeting the completion and operationalisation of 100 out of the 274 Tier-Two Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) being upgraded across the state by the end of 2026.

The government is also providing several free healthcare interventions, including treatment for accident and snakebite victims within the first 24 hours of presentation, and free Caesarean Section operations at five designated centers. Vaccines are available free of charge at all primary healthcare centers. Furthermore, arrangements are being made to provide clinical training facilities for medical students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, within the next six months to a year.

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Accident victims were entitled to free treatment within the first 24 hours of presentation at designated health facilities, while victims of snake bites would also receive free treatment within the same period.