NCDC Backs Niger State As Suspected Diphtheria Outbreak Claims One Child

 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Niger State Government in containing a suspected outbreak of diphtheria following reports of confirmed and suspected cases in the state.

The assurance was given during a two-day training on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Case Management During Disease Outbreaks, organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with funding from the United States Government.

Speaking at the training, an NCDC representative, Dr. Wada Aliyu, said the agency has commenced the training and equipping of Infection Prevention and Control focal persons to strengthen the state’s preparedness and response to disease outbreaks.

According to him, the initiative is designed to equip healthcare facilities with tailored preparedness and response plans in line with national guidelines for preventing, detecting and managing infectious disease outbreaks.

Dr. Aliyu said the NCDC remains committed to supporting Niger State through the provision of medical commodities, treatment supplies and technical expertise to enhance disease surveillance, preparedness and emergency response.

He stressed that strengthening infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities is essential to reducing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting both healthcare workers and patients.

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The training brought together IPC focal persons and clinicians from all 25 local government areas of Niger State.

Confirming the outbreak, the Director of Public Health at the Niger State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, disclosed that the suspected cases, recorded in the Fadikpe area of Minna, had claimed the life of one child.

He said one of the affected children has recovered and been discharged, while two others have been referred to a health facility for specialised treatment.

Dr. Idris explained that preliminary investigations by health officials indicate that the illness, initially suspected to be an unknown disease, is most likely diphtheria.

He added that a joint team from the Ministry of Health and development partners visited the affected community, interacted with residents, examined patients and collected samples for laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis.

According to him, surveillance and response activities have been intensified in the affected area, while preliminary findings revealed that some of the affected children were either partially immunised or had not received the diphtheria vaccine at all.

Describing diphtheria as a vaccine-preventable disease, Dr. Idris urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children complete their routine immunisation schedule to reduce the risk of infection.

He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation while awaiting laboratory confirmation of the suspected cases.

Also speaking, a UNICEF representative reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Niger State Government in responding to disease outbreaks.

The representative emphasised that routine immunisation remains the most effective protection against vaccine-preventable diseases and urged parents to take advantage of immunisation services available at healthcare facilities across the state.

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