More than 16,000 children among over 32,000 confirmed cases of diphtheria recorded in Kano State since 2022 had never received any vaccination against the disease, the Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, Prof. Muhammad Abbas, has disclosed.
Abbas made the disclosure while highlighting the state’s ongoing efforts to control the spread of diphtheria and improve vaccination coverage among children.
According to him, the large number of unvaccinated children affected by the disease remains a major concern for health authorities, as vaccination is one of the most effective ways of preventing diphtheria and reducing the risk of severe complications.
The figures cover confirmed diphtheria cases recorded in Kano since the outbreak began in 2022, underscoring the continued public health challenge posed by the disease in the state.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the throat and respiratory system and may become life-threatening if not prevented or treated promptly.
Health authorities have continued to encourage parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible children receive routine immunisation and other recommended vaccines.
The Kano State government and health agencies are also expected to intensify awareness campaigns and vaccination efforts in communities with low immunisation coverage.
The disclosure has further highlighted the need to address gaps in routine childhood vaccination, particularly among children who have never received any dose of the diphtheria-containing vaccine.