Zaria Community Seeks Help As Diphtheria Outbreak Kills Two
A dire public health crisis has emerged in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State, following a resurgence of diphtheria—a disease once thought to be largely eradicated in the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, a community leader and Director of Publicity in the Northern Elders Forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, raised the alarm over the outbreak, disclosing that two children had died within a span of 48 hours.
According to Suleiman, the deceased children displayed classic diphtheria symptoms, including sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and severe fatigue.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and nose.
It poses serious health risks, including respiratory failure, heart complications, and even death if untreated.
Although once common, the disease’s prevalence dropped dramatically due to widespread vaccination efforts in the mid-20th century.
The recent deaths in Tukur-Tukur, however, serve as a sobering reminder of the disease’s persistence in areas where healthcare access and vaccination coverage remain limited.
Suleiman stressed the urgency of a swift and coordinated response to contain the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.
“The tragic loss of two children in just 48 hours underscores the immediate need for action,” he said. “Mobilising healthcare professionals to Tukur-Tukur must be prioritised—ensuring vaccinations are administered, awareness campaigns launched, and treatment centres equipped to manage new cases.”
He also emphasised the importance of educating parents on the dangers of diphtheria, the life-saving benefits of vaccination, and the necessity of prompt medical attention.
“Engaging community leaders, teachers, and local organisations in public health campaigns can help amplify critical messages and create a united front against the resurgence of preventable diseases threatening our children,” he added.
In addition to short-term containment, Suleiman called for long-term investment in healthcare infrastructure across underserved communities.
He urged the government to work in partnership with international organisations and local health authorities to improve outbreak preparedness and response.
“This includes not only ensuring vaccines are available but also boosting the capacity of healthcare facilities to handle outbreaks effectively,” he said. “Training health workers to recognise and treat diphtheria, along with establishing surveillance systems to track disease trends, is essential for early detection and rapid response.”
He concluded by calling for collective action: “The fight against diphtheria is not merely a medical challenge—it is a shared responsibility. Through collaboration, education, and commitment, we can defeat this resurgence and protect our communities.”
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