From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has confirmed 32,000 cases of diphtheria out of 39,000 suspected cases since the outbreak began in December 2022.
Speaking at a media briefing at the weekend, KNCDC Director-General, Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas disclosed that the outbreak has claimed over 1,800 lives, with children accounting for more than 25,000 of the confirmed cases.
Data from the center highlights a severe gap in routine immunization among affected children: Unvaccinated: 16,000 children (64%) had received zero doses of the diphtheria vaccine – with 9,000 children fully vaccinated.
“The vaccination gap explains why diphtheria continues to impact our communities.
“Although vaccine-preventable, thousands of children remain vulnerable due to missed routine immunizations,” Prof. Abbas stated.
According to him, diagnosis is established through laboratory analysis of nasal and throat swabs, direct clinical examination of distinct symptoms, or epidemiological tracing during active outbreaks.
Prof. Abbas cited late hospital arrivals and dangerous traditional practices as primary factors in the high mortality rate.
Investigations in Rano Local Government Area, the outbreak’s epicenter, revealed that parents frequently brought infected children to traditional barbers.
In multiple instances, practitioners attempted to physically remove the diphtheria membrane or perform incisions on the children’s necks.
In response, state health officials have engaged local practitioners to educate them on the dangers of these procedures and establish strict referral protocols for specialized care.
To improve survival rates and curb community transmission, the Kano State Government has decentralized diphtheria care away from the state capital. Specialized treatment hubs are now operational across multiple local government areas, including: Rano, Bichi, Wudil and Tudun Wada.
He noted that decentralizing care removes major transportation hurdles for low-income families, limits exposure on public transit, and ensures patients receive rapid medical intervention.
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