Kano constitutes special committee to contain Diphtheria outbreak

The Kano State Government has constituted a special committee to strengthen efforts to contain a diphtheria outbreak following reports of cases and deaths in some parts of the state.

The state government announced the constitution of the committee in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar Ahmad, on Saturday.

According to the statement, the committee will focus particularly on the situation in Rano Local Government Area, where concerns have been raised over reported diphtheria cases and deaths.

“The committee will conduct a comprehensive investigation to verify reported diphtheria cases and deaths in the affected local government areas, while strengthening disease surveillance and ensuring that Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers submit daily reports across the state,” the statement added.

The state government urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with health authorities by reporting suspected cases promptly and supporting public health measures.

The committee is chaired by the Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas.

The Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Prof. Salisu A. Ibrahim, is also a member.

Other members include the Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr Mansur M. Nagoda; Director of Disease Control, SPHCMB, Dr Tijjani Habibu; Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr Ibrahim Aliyu Umar; and the State Epidemiologist, KNCDC, Sulaiman Iliyasu Hamisu.

Representatives of the Kano, Rano, Karaye and Gaya Emirate Councils are also members, while Hussaini Rufai of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of KNCDC will serve as secretary.