By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Kano State Government on Saturday constituted a special committee to investigate reported diphtheria cases and deaths in affected areas. The committee will focus on Rano Local Government Area and other locations. It will verify reported cases, identify immunisation gaps and coordinate urgent response measures. The move aims to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread to neighbouring communities.
The development followed reports of suspected diphtheria cases and deaths in parts of Kano State. The government said the committee would strengthen surveillance and coordinate the state’s response.
The Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar Ahmad, announced the development in a statement.
According to the government, the committee will conduct a detailed assessment of the outbreak. It will also introduce measures to prevent further transmission.
Committee to Investigate Diphtheria Outbreak
The committee will verify reported diphtheria cases and deaths across affected local government areas. It will also strengthen disease surveillance across the state.
In addition, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers will submit daily reports. This approach will help health officials detect new cases quickly.
The committee will also establish a centralised registry for suspected and confirmed cases. The registry will support effective tracking and monitoring of the outbreak.
Government Targets Immunisation Gaps
The committee will identify gaps in immunisation coverage across affected communities. It will achieve this through intensified community mobilisation and public sensitisation.
Furthermore, officials will work to ensure essential medical commodities reach treatment centres. They will also support timely distribution of supplies to facilities managing patients.
These measures will help strengthen the state’s capacity to manage the outbreak. They will also improve access to timely treatment for affected residents.
Health Workers to Strengthen Disease Surveillance
The committee will work closely with health personnel in affected local government areas. This collaboration will improve information sharing and early detection.
It will also support effective patient management and coordinated emergency response. Consequently, health authorities can respond faster to suspected infections.
The government urged residents and community leaders to report suspected cases promptly. It also encouraged residents to support vaccination campaigns across affected communities.
Kano Government Urges Public Cooperation
The government called on stakeholders to cooperate fully with health authorities. It said public cooperation remains essential to containing the outbreak.
Residents should therefore report symptoms or suspected cases to health officials. They should also support ongoing vaccination and public health interventions.
The state government assured residents of its commitment to protecting public health. It also promised to take necessary steps to contain the outbreak.
The government said these measures would help prevent further spread across Kano State.
Members of the Diphtheria Response Committee
The Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, Prof Muhammad Abbas, chairs the committee.
The Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Prof Salisu A. Ibrahim, serves as a member.
Other members include:
- Dr Mansur M. Nagoda, Executive Secretary, Hospitals Management Board.
- Dr Tijjani Habibu, Director of Disease Control, SPHCMB.
- Dr Ibrahim Aliyu Umar, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health.
- Sulaiman Iliyasu Hamisu, State Epidemiologist, KNCDC.
- Representatives of the Kano, Rano, Karaye and Gaya emirate councils.
- Hussaini Rufai, KNCDC Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, serves as secretary.
The committee will coordinate with health authorities and affected communities. Its efforts will focus on containing diphtheria in Kano State and preventing additional infections.
