Niger Govt intensifies vaccination campaign after Diphtheria outbreak claims 10 Children

The Niger State Government has stepped up its response to a recent diphtheria outbreak in Bida Local Government Area, which has claimed the lives of at least 10 children.

Dr. Ibrahim Idris, Director of Public Health at the Niger Ministry of Secondary Health, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Minna, noting that Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to affected communities for active case detection, treatment, and follow-up.

“We express deep regret over the loss of lives and extend our condolences to the affected families. The outbreak is under control, and aggressive response measures are ongoing,” Idris stated.

He added that the ministry, working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and development partners, has launched mass vaccination campaigns targeting children most vulnerable to diphtheria. Radio messages in English, Hausa, and Nupe are also being broadcast to raise awareness in rural communities.

Idris stressed that vaccination is a shared responsibility, explaining that when over 80 percent of a population is immunised, herd immunity helps protect everyone. He urged parents to bring their children for immediate immunisation, describing it as safe and lifesaving.

The ministry has also increased its drug supply, deployed more response teams, and scaled up immunisation activities in the affected areas. Community engagement is ongoing through religious leaders, traditional rulers, and local town announcers to combat misinformation and promote vaccine acceptance.

Idris called on parents, guardians, religious leaders, and community leaders to support the vaccination drive to safeguard children and ensure a healthier future.

Diphtheria is a bacterial disease with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Severe cases can obstruct airways, making it difficult to breathe or swallow.