Diphtheria has claimed 17 lives in Niger State between January and early August 2026, with fresh deaths recorded in Chanchaga and Katcha Local Government Areas. The Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency has confirmed 124 cases of the disease during this period, while 74 patients have recovered and been discharged after treatment in Bida and Agaie LGAs. Surveillance is ongoing in Suleja LGA to monitor the situation.
Officials blame vaccine hesitancy for high death toll
Speaking during a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the agency in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Minna, the Executive Director of the agency, Dr. Junaidu Inuwa, said many of the deaths could have been prevented if more children had received routine vaccinations. He blamed the high casualty rate on vaccine hesitancy among some parents and guardians.
“Most parents are not immunising their children and the community structure needs to do a lot for us,” Dr. Inuwa said. He added: “I am sure most of you are aware that recently we have an outbreak of some diseases in Chanchaga and Katcha LGAs. There are 10 cases and all of them died. We even lost another patient on Tuesday at the General Hospital, Minna.”
UNICEF and government strengthen community engagement
Dr. Inuwa urged women and community leaders to educate families about the importance of routine immunisation, especially for infants and young children. He also encouraged nursing mothers to ensure their children receive all recommended vaccines to reduce the risk of preventable diseases.
Ibrahim Mohammed, Social and Behavioural Change Specialist at UNICEF's Kaduna Field Office, said the training was designed to strengthen community engagement in healthcare delivery. “We are looking at an integrative approach to healthcare services across the community,” he said. The workshop focused on improving local community participation in healthcare, nutrition, child protection, sanitation, education and disease prevention.
Diphtheria remains a preventable threat
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the nose and throat. It spreads through coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. The disease can cause difficulty in breathing, heart complications and even death if not treated early. Health experts have repeatedly stressed that routine childhood vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent diphtheria and reduce outbreaks across communities.
