No fewer than three children have died, and six others infected, following a suspected outbreak of diphtheria in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Dr Bello Jamoh, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, confirmed that the outbreak has persisted in the state for the past ten months, dating back to October 2024.
He noted that the Kaduna State Ministry of Health is coordinating the response efforts, with support from relevant partners and stakeholders.
A team of medical experts is also being deployed to intensify the response and provide clinical support.
Meanwhile, a resident of Kwarbai, Zaria, Malam Bashir-Magaji Basharata, who lost his daughter to the disease, raised concerns about the rapid spread of the infection across the city.
According to Basharata, his daughter developed a swollen neck and experienced difficulty breathing and speaking.
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She was rushed to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, but unfortunately passed away despite receiving urgent care.
Shortly after her death, three other children reportedly developed similar symptoms.
Basharata said he promptly informed the local council health department, which responded by dispatching a team of vaccinators to the area.
He further revealed that two children from a neighbouring household and another girl from a nearby street were also affected.
Additionally, four children showing diphtheria symptoms were admitted to the Kakaki Primary Health Care Clinic near Kwarbai, though only one had been discharged as of his last visit.
Basharata expressed deep concern over widespread reports that diphtheria vaccines were unavailable across Kaduna State.
He claimed that the visiting medical team said they had sourced vaccines from neighbouring Niger State.
NAN