Kano sets up committee to contain diphtheria

The Kano State Government has constituted a special committee to investigate reported diphtheria cases and deaths in parts of the state, particularly Rano Local Government Area, as it works to prevent further spread of the disease.

The committee, constituted on Saturday, will coordinate the state’s response, verify reported cases and deaths and implement urgent measures to prevent transmission to neighbouring local government areas.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar Ahmad.

“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 further spread,” the government said.

The committee is chaired by the Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, Prof Muhammad Abbas, while the Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Prof Salisu A. Ibrahim, serves as a member.

Other members 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; and State Epidemiologist, KNCDC, Sulaiman Iliyasu Hamisu.

Representatives of the Kano, Rano, Karaye and Gaya emirate councils are also members, while Hussaini Rufai of the KNCDC Monitoring and Evaluation Unit serves as secretary.

The committee has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive outbreak investigation to verify reported diphtheria cases and deaths across affected local government areas, while strengthening disease surveillance and ensuring daily reporting by Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers.

“The committee will conduct a comprehensive outbreak investigation to verify reported diphtheria cases and deaths across affected local government areas,” the statement said.

It will also establish a centralised data registry for suspected and confirmed cases, identify immunisation gaps through intensified community mobilisation and sensitisation, and ensure the availability and timely distribution of essential medical commodities to designated treatment centres.

“The committee will establish a centralised data registry for effective tracking of suspected and confirmed cases and identify immunisation gaps through intensified community mobilisation and sensitisation,” the government said.

The committee is expected to work closely with health personnel in affected communities to strengthen information sharing, facilitate early detection and improve the management of patients.

“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 statement said.

The government urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to promptly report suspected cases, support vaccination efforts and cooperate with health authorities.

“Residents, community leaders and other stakeholders are urged to cooperate fully with health authorities by promptly reporting suspected cases and supporting ongoing public health interventions,” it said.

The state government assured residents that it remained committed to protecting public health and would take all necessary measures to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread across Kano State.