By Salifu Faridat
In Kano, the ongoing diphtheria outbreak poses a serious threat to food security.
With more than 100 patients currently hospitalized and cases reported in 31 out of 44 Local Government Areas, the agricultural sector is at risk.
The disruption caused by the outbreak, compounded by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a potential decrease in agricultural activities, leaving farmers vulnerable and impacting the country’s food supply. Urgent measures are needed to combat the outbreak and safeguard both public health and food security.
The Kano State Government has taken swift action to combat the diphtheria outbreak in the region by deploying dedicated contact tracing teams. As of the latest update, more than 2,000 others have already received treatment and been discharged.
Dr. Abdullahi Karaunmata, the state Epidemiologist, addressed the press on Sunday in Kano, providing critical details on the current outbreak situation.
The contact tracing teams have been actively deployed throughout the state, with a particular focus on high-burdened Local Government Areas (LGAs) to identify and locate patients affected by diphtheria.
A concerning aspect of the outbreak is its widespread nature, with diphtheria cases reported in 31 out of the 44 LGAs in the state. In response, the government has established two specialized centers to treat infected patients.
The resurgence of diphtheria has raised concerns, with possible links to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown measures during the pandemic disrupted routine immunization efforts, leaving many children unimmunized.
Furthermore, some parents or caregivers have expressed hesitation in seeking immunization for their children, further contributing to the population’s vulnerability.
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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently released a report highlighting the number of affected states and confirmed cases, including the mortality rate among children. Kano was listed among the states with the highest number of diphtheria patients.
To combat the outbreak effectively, the government’s Ministry of Health has formed a technical working group on diphtheria.
This group comprises experts from various fields and is supported by development partners. They have been actively conducting daily meetings and incident management to respond proactively to the crisis.
In its efforts to provide comprehensive care, the Kano State Government has equipped the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital with a well-equipped diphtheria treatment center.
The center is staffed with well-trained human resources and supported by partners like MSF.
Furthermore, in response to the rising cases and increased awareness, a new treatment center has been established at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) to ensure timely screening and treatment for suspected cases.
Dr. Karaunmata stressed the importance of immunization in protecting children against diphtheria, particularly the use of the PENTA vaccine for this purpose.
He urged caregivers to understand the significance of immunization and take necessary steps to safeguard their children’s health.
The Kano State Government remains dedicated to containing the outbreak and ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens. Contact tracing efforts are ongoing, with a focus on prompt identification, treatment, and containment of the disease to prevent further spread.
The government is committed to tackling the outbreak and protecting the community from this serious health threat.
