FG Deploys Emergency Task Force to Contain Diphtheria Outbreak in Kano, Katsina
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has launched an emergency multi-agency response to contain the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Kano and Katsina states, with intensified surveillance, expanded vaccination campaigns and improved access to treatment.
The intervention followed reports of fresh infections and deaths among children, particularly in Kano State, where concerns have mounted over the spread of the highly contagious disease.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, directed the establishment of the emergency task force to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the outbreak.
According to the ministry, the task force will coordinate surveillance activities, close immunisation gaps, improve case detection and ensure affected communities have access to prompt treatment.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases through “a swift, coordinated and evidence-based response” aimed at bringing the outbreak under control.
The government’s intervention comes days after lawmakers in the Kano State House of Assembly raised concerns over a worsening outbreak in Rano Local Government Area, where several child deaths have been reported.
Common symptoms include fever, sore throat and the formation of a thick grey or white membrane in the throat that may obstruct breathing. Severe infections can damage the heart and nervous system if left untreated.
Nigeria has recorded more than 40,000 suspected diphtheria cases and over 1,000 deaths since the outbreak began in 2022, underscoring the need for sustained immunisation and early treatment.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello