Kaduna Community Raises Alarm Over Resurgence of Deadly Diphtheria Disease
Urgent Health Crisis in Tukur-Tukur as Two Children Die Within 48 Hours
A severe public health crisis has erupted in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State, as residents report a deadly resurgence of diphtheria, prompting urgent calls for intervention. The disease has already claimed the lives of two children within 48 hours, with victims exhibiting hallmark symptoms such as sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and extreme weakness.
Community Leader Sounds the Alarm
Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, a community leader and director in the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), issued a dire warning following the tragic deaths. He emphasized that the outbreak highlights critical gaps in public health infrastructure and vaccination coverage.
“The recent tragic loss of two children within just 48 hours underscores the urgent need for a coordinated health response,” Suleiman stated. “Diphtheria, a bacterial infection primarily affecting the throat and nose, poses significant risks, including respiratory failure and heart damage.”
History Repeats Itself
This is not the first time the community has faced such a crisis. Just months ago, a similar outbreak claimed four lives before health officials, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, intervened to control the spread.
Suleiman stressed that the recurrence of diphtheria raises serious concerns about systemic failures, including:
- Inadequate access to healthcare
- Vaccine hesitancy
- Lack of community awareness
Call to Action: Vaccination and Health Literacy
To combat the outbreak, Suleiman urged parents to cooperate with health workers by ensuring their children receive vaccinations and seeking immediate medical help at the first sign of illness.
“Fostering a culture of health literacy within our communities is essential,” he said. “Educational initiatives must inform parents about the dangers of diphtheria, the importance of vaccination, and the need for prompt medical intervention.”
He also called for engaging community leaders, teachers, and local organizations to amplify health awareness efforts.
Full credit to the original publisher: The Guardian