Jigawa State Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of 10 out of 91 reported diphtheria cases in the state.
This was made known by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Salisu Mu’azu, while addressing newsmen in Dutse on Friday, September 22, noting that the outbreak struck hard in areas where immunization coverage was lacking.
“The outbreak appears to have struck hardest in areas where routine immunization coverage was lacking,” the Permanent Secretary said.
Mu’azu further emphasized that the state government had been proactive in responding to the situation, especially following reports of diphtheria outbreaks in neighbouring states like Kano and Yobe.
He underscored that the Ministry had diligently collected vital information and data from the affected regions and promptly informed the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the National Disease Control for coordinated intervention.
“The state government is now actively preparing to administer vaccines once they become available”, he said.
Mu’azu also stated that COVID-19 pandemic equally disrupted routine immunization process, leaving the population vulnerable.
