A deadly wave of diphtheria is ripping through northern Nigeria, leaving grief and panic in its wake.
Health authorities confirmed yesterday that 1,767 people have died in Kano and Plateau states, with 32,797 cases recorded across Kano, Plateau and Nasarawa.
In Katsina, the scourge has now reached 30 local government areas. Funtua, Kankia, Bakori, Katsina, Mashi and Daura are among the worst hit. The bacterial infection, which attacks the nose and throat, spreads through coughs, sneezes and shared cups, and it is moving faster than fear itself.
Katsina Fights Back As Workers Down Tools
The Katsina government has launched emergency vaccinations in 15 high-risk wards across Bakori, Charanchi, Funtua, Mashi and Kankia. In just three days, 67,670 people received Td vaccines and 24,103 children got pentavalent shots. Three new isolation centres have been opened to support the NCDC facility at the Federal Teaching Hospital, and 650,000 more vaccine doses have been secured.
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But the fight faces a fresh threat. Health workers in the state announced a seven-day warning strike starting midnight September 8. The Assembly of Healthcare Professionals said the action follows an ignored 21-day ultimatum to government. With suspected cases in 29 of Katsina’s 34 LGAs, unions warn the system is already stretched thin.
Dr. Aminu Lawal of the State Primary Healthcare Agency says poor vaccine uptake is the biggest enemy. “The vaccine is available, but our problem is the uptake,” he told a media briefing. He urged parents to use free vaccines at primary health centres, warning that delays turn a simple fever into a swollen neck, trouble breathing and, too often, death.
Plateau Counts Bodies, Kano Buries Children
In Plateau, Jos North is the epicentre. Health Commissioner Nicholas Baamlong confirmed 143 suspected cases and 23 deaths. “There is no anti-toxin for treatment, so we use antibiotics,” he said.
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Kano is bearing the heaviest burden: 32,633 confirmed cases and 1,744 deaths across all 44 LGAs. In Rano, entire households have been wiped out. Residents describe children dying within days after being treated first at chemists or by traditional healers. “We buried my daughter, then my brother’s,” said Ibrahim Lawan of Rano.
The Kano State Assembly and the KNCDC have now drafted district heads and traditional rulers to push sensitisation and drive people to clinics.
Nasarawa Sees 15 Cases, No Deaths Yet
Nasarawa has recorded 15 cases, 11 in Keffi, with children aged 2 months to 11 years affected. No deaths have been reported, and treatment centres have been activated at FMC Keffi and FUTH Lafia.
Officials’ message is blunt: avoid crowds, wear masks, maintain hygiene, and get vaccinated. Without higher coverage, they warn, drugs and isolation centres alone cannot stop this outbreak.
