UNICEF has revealed that 60.8% of reported cases of diphtheria involve children under the age of five.
Rahama Mohammed Farah, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, shared this information during a media briefing regarding the diphtheria outbreak in Kano.
Farah noted a recent upsurge in diphtheria cases in Nigeria, characterizing it as a significant outbreak. He pointed out that the highest number of diphtheria cases was recorded in Kano, with over 5,800 cumulative cases, accounting for 80% of the total cases in Nigeria.
Among the 44 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano State, diphtheria has spread to 39 LGAs, with eight being the most affected: Ungogo (2651), Dala (989), Fagge (943), Gwale (714), Kumbotso (713), Nassarawa (538), Kano Municipal (506), and Tarauni (269).
Farah highlighted that children in the state make up 60.8% of those affected due to a significant number of children not receiving any vaccinations.
The situation of children who have not received a single dose is critical and unacceptable, requiring immediate attention. This underscores the urgent need to address the issue of unvaccinated children in Nigeria, especially in Kano state.
The ongoing diphtheria outbreak poses a serious threat to child survival, health, and overall well-being. UNICEF is collaborating with the government and partners to respond to this emergency and save the lives of affected children.
