By Abdullahi Olesin, Igho Oyoyo, Abu Nmodu, Aza Msue, Okechukwu Obeta, Joshua Dada, Achor Abimaje, Longtong Ibrahim, Damilola Origbemisuyi
Following the outbreak of diphtheria, which has been ravaging parts of the North-West, several states across the country have rolled out measures to contain its spread.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Weekly Epidemiological Report covering Epidemiological Week 32, from 3 to 9 August 2026, Nigeria recorded 12,977 suspected diphtheria cases, 10,476 confirmed cases and 406 deaths.
In Kwara State, the government said it was strengthening routine immunisation services across the state to contain and mitigate the outbreak.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, said particular attention was being paid to underserved communities and children who had missed one or more vaccine doses.
She added that health teams had been conducting routine and targeted outreach sessions to improve vaccination coverage and reduce the number of susceptible children.
In Niger State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Mohammed Bagana Murtala, said 17 people had died from diphtheria in the state over the past seven months, with 124 cases recorded in Bida, Suleja and Shiroro local government areas.
He attributed the prevalence of the disease to vaccine hesitancy, particularly among pregnant women and infants, as well as incomplete vaccination.
To address the situation, the commissioner said an emergency mop-up vaccination exercise had been conducted.
He also warned that parents who refused to have their children vaccinated could face arrest if the situation persisted.
Reiterating the commissioner’s position, Dr Samuel Jiya, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, identified poor vaccination coverage as a major factor contributing to the outbreak.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the administration has intensified surveillance and response measures following the confirmation of five diphtheria cases, with two deaths recorded.
The FCT State Epidemiologist, Dr Lawal Lukman Ademola, said the cases were sporadic rather than part of a cluster, as health authorities had not established any secondary transmission among the confirmed cases.
To prevent further spread, the FCT has activated active case searches whenever a case is confirmed.
Surveillance teams visit affected households and surrounding communities, engage residents, trace possible contacts and check nearby health facilities for undiagnosed or missed cases.
The administration is also strengthening collaboration with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital to improve early referral, case management and staffing.
In Kaduna State, the government has intensified surveillance across health facilities and communities to ensure the early detection, notification and investigation of suspected diphtheria cases.
A senior government official, who requested anonymity, said the state was supporting timely investigations, specimen collection and laboratory testing of suspected cases through established channels.
According to the official, the government was also ensuring the early identification, appropriate management and timely referral of suspected and confirmed cases in line with national guidelines.
The government is also identifying and monitoring close contacts of suspected and confirmed cases to facilitate early detection and prevent further transmission.
