At least 10 children have died following an outbreak of diphtheria in parts of Niger State, raising concerns among communities and health authorities.
Dr. Mohammed Gana, permanent secretary in the ministry of tertiary health care, confirmed the outbreak in Minna, saying it was recorded in Agaie and Bida local government areas.
According to him, the rising casualties were largely due to low immunisation uptake, as many parents had refused to vaccinate their children. He, however, assured that the situation was now under control, with the state government working alongside health partners to contain further spread.
Reports indicate that several affected children were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida for treatment. Unfortunately, they did not survive, with sources attributing some of the deaths to shortages of essential drugs and medical supplies.
The outbreak has since spread concerns to nearby communities. Residents in Lapai and Agaie LGAs reported more suspected cases and additional deaths, although official figures are yet to be released.
Community leaders and parents are now appealing to the state government to urgently provide adequate drugs and vaccines to FMC Bida and the general hospitals in Bida and Agaie. They stressed that immediate intervention is critical to saving lives and preventing a wider public health crisis.
Health experts continue to urge parents and guardians to ensure full immunisation of their children, noting that vaccination remains the most effective safeguard against diphtheria and other preventable childhood diseases.
