The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) has confirmed a significant outbreak of diphtheria in Yobe State, with 117 children reported dead since 2022.
The agency reported a total of 1,796 suspected cases of the disease since November 22. The disease appears to be more prevalent among children aged five to 14 years.
Despite the alarming number of deaths, there is a glimmer of hope as approximately 1,600 children have recovered from the disease within the period under review.
Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the Agency, disclosed this information during an inspection visit to the diphtheria isolation center in Potiskum, which is considered the epicenter of the disease in the state.
Dr. Shuaib expressed satisfaction with the diphtheria vaccination conducted in Potiskum and 17 other local government areas of the state. The vaccination campaign is part of the state’s proactive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
The agency urges parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against diphtheria to protect them from this deadly disease.