Isiyaku Ahmed
Kano State Government has constituted a Special Committee to coordinate efforts to contain the reported diphtheria outbreak in parts of the state, with particular concern over cases and deaths recorded in Rano Local Government Area.
A statement issued on Saturday by Nabilusi Abubakar Ahmad, spokesperson, Kano State Ministry of Health, the committee, constituted by the state Ministry of Health, is expected to strengthen the ongoing response, assess the extent of the outbreak and implement urgent measures to prevent the disease from spreading to neighbouring Local Government Areas.
The Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, will chair the committee. At the same time, the Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board (SPHCMB), Prof. Salisu A. Ibrahim, will serve as a member.
Other members are the Executive Secretary, 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 State Epidemiologist, KNCDC, Sulaiman Iliyasu Hamisu.
Representatives of the Kano, Rano, Karaye and Gaya Emirate Councils are also members, while Hussaini Rufai of Monitoring and Evaluation, KNCDC, will serve as secretary.
The committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation to verify reported diphtheria cases and deaths across affected LGAs.
It is also expected to strengthen disease surveillance and ensure daily reporting by Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers statewide.
According to the statement, the committee will establish a centralised data registry to track suspected and confirmed cases, identify immunization gaps through intensified community mobilisation and sensitisation, and ensure the availability and timely distribution of essential medical supplies to designated treatment centres.
The committee will further work with health personnel in affected LGAs to ensure a coordinated response, rapid information sharing, early detection and effective management of cases.
The state government urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with health authorities by promptly reporting suspected cases and supporting public health interventions.
It assured residents that it would continue to take necessary measures to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread to other parts of the state.
