Outbreak of Diphtheria claims 11 lives in two Niger councils
Health authorities in Niger State, Nigeria, have confirmed 11 new deaths from a diphtheria outbreak, bringing the total death toll to 17 since January. Officials attribute the spread to low vaccination rates and are urging parents to prioritize immunizing their children.
Why it matters
The outbreak highlights significant public health challenges and the critical need for community-level vaccination efforts to prevent preventable disease fatalities.
Eleven people last week died from diphtheria outbreak in Chanchaga and Katcha local government areas of Niger State , health authorities confirmed weekend. The recent deaths have brought to 17 the total lives lost to the disease since January, with 124 confirmed cases and 84 patients treated and discharged. Some of the 17 cases were recorded in Bida and Agaie local government areas, while surveillance has been stepped up in Suleja area. Read Also: FG tightens border security over Sahel instability, says Defence Minister Confirming the fatalities during an interview, Executive Director, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Junaidu Inuwa, blamed them on refusal by parents and guardians to vaccinate children.
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