Diphtheria Outbreak: NPHCDA Confirmed Death Of 117 Children In Yobe State Since November 2022

Oct. 10, 2023

Following the outbreak of diphtheria in the country, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency NPHCDA, has confirmed the death of 117 children in Yobe state since November, 2022.

NTA reports that NPHCDA executive director Dr Faisal Shuaib disclosed this during a visit to the diphtheria isolation centre in potiskum the epicentre of the disease in Yobe State.

So far 1,796 cases of the disease were reported in the northeast state since the outbreak last year and was more prevalent among children within the ages of five to 14 years.

Dr. Shuaib who led the diphtheria emergency task team to the state expressed satisfaction with the diphtheria vaccination conducted in Potiskum and 17 other council areas.

Another round of the vaccination exercise is scheduled for 12th October, 2023.