The Kano State Government has commenced a diphtheria immunisation campaign in five local government areas as part of efforts to contain the spread of the vaccine preventable disease.
The exercise is aimed at protecting vulnerable residents and reducing the risk of further transmission, particularly among children who have not received adequate vaccination.
The development comes as health authorities continue to monitor diphtheria cases across Kano and other northern states. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recently identified Kano among eight states accounting for 98 per cent of Nigeria’s confirmed diphtheria cases.
According to health officials, about 68 per cent of confirmed diphtheria cases recorded during the August 24 to 30 reporting period were among unvaccinated people. The NCDC also disclosed that vaccines had been sent to Kano and Katsina as part of efforts to strengthen the responses.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the nose and throat and can cause serious complications if not treated promptly. It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and contact with infected materials.
Health authorities have continued to emphasise vaccination as an important measure for preventing the disease and controlling outbreaks.
The latest immunisation campaign is therefore expected to strengthen protection in the affected communities and support ongoing efforts to reduce diphtheria transmission across the state.
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