KSG MOVES TO CURB DIPHTHERIA, INAUGURATES SPECIAL RESPONSE COMMITTEE

Kano State Government has taken another major step to strengthen the fight against diphtheria with the inauguration of a Special Committee on Diphtheria Outbreak Response.

Inaugurating the committee, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the committee was established to ensure a stronger and coordinated response to the disease and to prevent its further spread across the state.

The Commissioner explained that diphtheria is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly within communities, noting that the disease has remained a public health concern in Kano State since December 2022.

He stressed that urgent and collective action was needed to protect communities and save lives.Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf identified vaccination and early medical attention as key measures in controlling the disease. He urged parents and caregivers to ensure that every eligible child receives the required vaccination and advised them to immediately take anyone suspected of having diphtheria to the nearest health facility for proper medical attention.

He said the committee members were carefully selected based on their experience and competence, adding that they are expected to ensure early reporting of suspected cases, stronger surveillance, proper registration of cases, vaccination in areas where coverage is low, and effective follow-up and referral of suspected patients for treatment.

The Commissioner further explained that the committee includes representatives from the State Government, Local Government Councils and Emirate Councils, in order to ensure a coordinated response and effective action at the community level.

He charged the committee members to work with commitment and dedication to fulfil the responsibility entrusted to them, stressing that their collective efforts would be critical to reducing the spread of diphtheria and protecting the people of Kano State.

Speaking 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.

He said the committee would work closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, vaccination and response activities across the state.

The inauguration demonstrates the commitment of the Kano State Government to protecting the health of its citizens and ensuring a timely and effective response to disease outbreaks.

Signed:Nabilusi Abubakar AhmadPublic Relations Officer Kano State Ministry of Health4th, Sept, 2026.