DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAK IN NIGERIA: Foundation Raised Alarm Over Loss of Lives

"According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), eight states; Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara states account for approximately 98% of confirmed diphtheria cases reported nationally. This does not mean that other states are free from risk." MHF 

The Maden Healthcare Foundation on Monday, expressed deep concerns over the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria and the reported loss of lives, particularly among children.

The Foundation, in a national statement from its headquarters, extended its condolences to affected families and stand in solidarity with communities, healthcare workers and authorities responding to the outbreak.

In the statement, the Foundation revealed that, "according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), eight states; Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara states account for approximately 98% of confirmed diphtheria cases reported nationally. This does not mean that other states are free from risk. 

"The situation calls for sustained vigilance, vaccination and coordinated public health action across the country." The statement revealed.

"We acknowledge the Federal Government’s emergency response and the efforts of the NCDC, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, State Ministries of Health and their partners to strengthen surveillance, immunisation, laboratory testing and access to treatment." MHF stated.

"We also acknowledge the Plateau State Government’s temporary closure of public and private primary and secondary schools, effective 7 September 2026, following suspected cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase Local Government Areas. 

"While school closures can disrupt learning and family routines, precautionary measures should be guided by public health evidence, accompanied by clear communication, and reviewed as the situation evolves."

MADEN therefore called for urgent attention to the following five key points:

1. Vaccination: Parents and caregivers should ensure that children receive and complete their recommended routine immunisations. Those with missed or uncertain doses should seek guidance from the nearest primary healthcare centre.

2. Early recognition and referral: Fever, sore throat, swollen neck glands, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a greyish membrane in the throat should prompt urgent medical assessment. Suspected cases should not be managed through self-medication or delayed presentation.

3. School and community preparedness: Education authorities, schools and communities should strengthen health education, identify suspected illness early, and establish clear referral and communication pathways in collaboration with health authorities.

4. Equitable access to care: Government and partners should prioritise timely access to vaccines, diphtheria antitoxin, appropriate antibiotics, laboratory services and trained healthcare personnel, particularly in underserved and high-risk communities.

5. Accurate public information: The public should rely on verified updates from the NCDC and relevant State Ministries of Health, avoid spreading rumours, and comply with official public health directives.

MADEN’s state chapters will support appropriate risk communication, vaccination awareness, school and community health education, and referral activities in collaboration with relevant authorities. Our volunteers are encouraged to work within their competencies and established public health structures.

Diphtheria is a serious but vaccine-preventable disease. Protecting children requires more than an emergency response; it requires sustained investment in routine immunisation, accessible primary healthcare, school health systems and community trust.

"Together, we can protect lives, strengthen prevention and support healthier communities across Nigeria." The MHF stated 

Maden Healthcare Foundation: Beyond healthcare… administering love.