Nigeria: Diphtheria Spreads in Plateau, Katsina, Kano
Diphtheria outbreaks in Plateau, Katsina, and Kano states have resulted in at least 23 deaths and over 140 suspected cases. Health officials cite a lack of antitoxins and specialized diagnostic equipment as major barriers to containment.
Why it matters
The outbreak underscores critical infrastructure and supply chain gaps in regional healthcare systems that hinder disease management.
Many communities in Plateau, Katsina and Kano states have been hit by diphtheria outbreaks as the authorities battle to halt the spread of the infection, which has claimed several lives and sickened many others.
No fewer than 23 people have died from diphtheria, while 143 others are suspected to have contracted the disease in various communities of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The state government said most of the casualties were recorded in the last three weeks as it intensified efforts to contain the spread of the highly infectious disease.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed this on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen in Jos, the state capital.
Baamlong said nine patients were currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
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