By Usman Usman Garba
The Kano State Government has constituted a Special Committee on Diphtheria Outbreak Response following reports of diphtheria cases and deaths in some Local Government Areas of the state, with particular concern over the situation in Rano Local Government Area.
The constitution of the committee is aimed at strengthening and coordinating ongoing response efforts, conducting a comprehensive assessment of the outbreak, and taking immediate measures to prevent the further spread of the disease to neighbouring Local Government Areas.
The Special Committee is chaired by the Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, while the Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board (SPHCMB), Prof. Salisu A. Ibrahim, serves as a member.
Other members of the committee 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; State Epidemiologist, KNCDC, Sulaiman Iliyasu Hamisu; and representatives of the Kano, Rano, Karaye and Gaya Emirate Councils. Hussaini Rufai, M&E, KNCDC, serves as Secretary.
The committee has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive outbreak investigation to verify reported diphtheria cases and deaths across affected LGAs, while strengthening disease surveillance systems and ensuring daily reporting by Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers across the state.
It will also establish a centralised data registry for effective tracking of suspected and confirmed cases, identify immunisation gaps through intensified community mobilisation and sensitisation, and ensure the availability and timely supply of essential medical commodities to designated treatment centres.
In addition, the committee will work closely with health personnel in affected Local Government Areas to ensure a seamless and coordinated response, rapid information sharing, early detection of cases and effective management of the outbreak.
The State Government has therefore urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with health authorities by promptly reporting suspected cases and supporting ongoing public health interventions.
The Government reassures the people of Kano State that it remains committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of its citizens and will continue to take all necessary measures to contain the outbreak and prevent its further spread across the state.
