The Kano State Government has inaugurated a Special Committee on Diphtheria Outbreak Response as part of renewed efforts to strengthen surveillance, vaccination and treatment and curb the spread of the disease across the state.
Inaugurating the committee, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the initiative was designed to ensure a stronger and coordinated response to diphtheria and prevent further transmission within communities.
Labilisi Abubakar Kofar Na’isa, the public relations officer of the Kano state ministry of Health in a statement sent to GLOBAL TRACKER, the commissioner described diphtheria as a highly contagious disease capable of spreading rapidly, noting that it has remained a public health concern in Kano State since December 2022.
He stressed the need for urgent and collective action to protect communities and save lives.
Dr Abubakar identified vaccination and early medical attention as key measures in controlling the disease, urging parents and caregivers to ensure that every eligible child receives the required vaccination.
He also advised residents to immediately take anyone suspected of having diphtheria to the nearest health facility for proper medical attention.
The commissioner said members of the special committee were carefully selected based on their experience and competence, charging them to ensure early reporting of suspected cases, strengthen surveillance, improve registration of cases and intensify vaccination in areas with low coverage.
He further tasked the committee with ensuring effective follow-up and referral of suspected patients for appropriate treatment.
According to him, the committee comprises representatives of the state government, Local Government Councils and Emirate Councils to facilitate a coordinated response and strengthen interventions at the community level.
Dr Abubakar urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with commitment and dedication, stressing that their collective efforts would be critical to reducing the spread of diphtheria and protecting residents across the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the committee and Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas, assured the commissioner that the committee would do everything possible to achieve its mandate.
Professor Abbas said the committee would work closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, vaccination and response activities throughout the state.
The inauguration is the latest step by the Kano State Government towards strengthening its preparedness and response to diphtheria and other public health threats.
The state government reiterated the importance of vaccination and prompt medical attention, particularly for suspected cases, as part of efforts to contain the disease and protect communities.