Kano Inaugurates Special Committee to Strengthen Diphtheria Response
By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a Special Committee on Diphtheria Outbreak Response as part of renewed efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, improve vaccination coverage, and contain the spread of diphtheria across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, inaugurated the committee, stating that its establishment underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a coordinated and effective response to the disease, which has remained a major public health concern in Kano State since December 2022.
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According to the Commissioner, diphtheria is a highly contagious disease capable of spreading rapidly within communities if not promptly detected and managed. He emphasized the need for urgent and collective action by government institutions, traditional leaders, healthcare workers, and the public to curb the outbreak and safeguard lives.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations officer of the Ministry Nabilisi Abubakar Kofar Naisa stated that, Dr. Yusuf identified routine vaccination and early medical intervention as the most effective measures for preventing and controlling the disease. He urged parents and caregivers to ensure that all eligible children receive the recommended vaccines and advised residents to immediately report suspected cases to the nearest health facility for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
He explained that members of the committee were selected based on their expertise and experience and have been tasked with strengthening disease surveillance, ensuring early reporting and proper documentation of suspected cases, expanding vaccination activities in underserved communities, and improving case referral and follow-up systems.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the committee comprises representatives of the Kano State Government, Local Government Councils, and Emirate Councils to promote effective collaboration and enhance community-level response across the state.
He charged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and commitment, noting that their collective efforts would play a crucial role in reducing the spread of diphtheria and protecting the health of Kano residents.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Chairman and Director General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas, assured the Commissioner that the committee would diligently carry out its mandate. He pledged that members would work closely with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and rapid response activities across Kano State.
The inauguration of the Special Committee reflects the unwavering commitment of the Kano State Government to protecting public health, preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring timely interventions that safeguard the lives and wellbeing of all citizens.
