The Niger State Ministries of Health and Basic and Secondary Education have concluded talks on coordinated sensitisation and prevention measures against diphtheria as schools prepare to reopen across the state.
The move follows the confirmation of 124 cases and 17 deaths from the disease in six local government areas between January and August 2026.
According to the Ministry of Health, the outbreak has mainly affected Chanchaga, Katcha, Bida, Agaie, Suleja and Lapai Local Government Areas, prompting intensified efforts to curb transmission and protect children and other vulnerable groups.
The Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Junaidu Inuwa, linked the high number of deaths largely to children who had missed recommended doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines.
He said the failure of some parents and guardians to fully immunise their children against vaccine-preventable diseases remains a serious public health challenge and called for sustained community sensitisation.
Inuwa stressed that early detection and prompt intervention are critical to preventing further spread, but said awareness and full immunisation remain key to prevention.
The Niger State Commissioner for Health, Murtala Bagana, said the engagement was aimed at providing the education sector with clear information on diphtheria and coordinating a public awareness campaign ahead of school resumption.
Bagana said that while vaccination remains central to prevention, parents, guardians, teachers and pupils also need to know how to recognise symptoms, understand how the disease spreads and take steps to prevent transmission.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Asabe Mohammed, reaffirmed her ministry’s readiness to work with health authorities.
She acknowledged the logistical challenge of establishing vaccination points across about 4,000 schools in the state’s 25 local government areas, but said arrangements would be made to ensure adequate coverage.
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(Editor: Ada Ononye)
