Lawmakers in Kano State have raised the alarm over a reported diphtheria outbreak that has killed more than 50 children in parts of the state, urging the government to intensify emergency measures to contain the disease….
Lawmakers in Kano State have raised the alarm over a reported diphtheria outbreak that has killed more than 50 children in parts of the state, urging the government to intensify emergency measures to contain the disease.
The matter was raised during Tuesday’s plenary of the Kano State House of Assembly by the member representing Rano Constituency, Ibrahim Rano, who described the outbreak as an urgent public health concern.
Rano said the disease had spread beyond isolated communities, affecting areas including Rurum and Sabuwar Kaura.
“I stand before you to present a case of urgent public need that poses a serious health concern in Rurum and Sabuwar Kaura communities — a diphtheria outbreak. I am seeking the support of the House for this motion,” Rano said.
The motion was seconded by the member representing Nassarawa Constituency and Minority Whip of the House, Yusuf Bello.
Rano told the Assembly that more than 50 children had died from the disease in Rano communities, but said immediate intervention had helped to reduce the spread.
“We had an outbreak in Rano that killed at least more than 50 children because of this diphtheria disease. We reported to the Head of Department, and immediately, we mobilised our contributions and purchased drugs and other medical supplies. Medical staff were deployed and immediate medical assistance was provided to the affected communities, which reduced the spread,” he said.
He urged the Assembly to draw the attention of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Commissioner for Health to the situation and take urgent steps to prevent further spread.
Rano said the state had recorded significant fatalities from the disease in the previous year, with several communities again affected this year.
Outbreak spreads to other communities
The debate was further strengthened by the member representing Kiru Constituency, Usman Abubakar, who said communities in his constituency had also recorded cases of the disease.
“I want to add more to what my colleague has said. The disease is now not only in Rano. In my constituency, there are also communities recording similar incidents, including Kwanar Dangora, Garin Dangora and Yalwa. The disease has spread to those areas,” he said.
Abubakar recounted the death of two siblings from the same family within a single day, describing it as a painful indication of the severity of the outbreak.
“Two children of a youth leader in my community lost their lives in one day. I am calling on the government to constitute a committee to curb the spread of the disease in the state, especially in areas like Rano, Tudunwada, Kibiya, Bunkure, Bebeji and Kiru,” he added.
At the end of deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the resolution and mandated its Committee on Health to work with the Ministry of Health to ensure the immediate implementation of emergency interventions in the affected communities.
The lawmakers said coordinated action was necessary to prevent further deaths and contain the spread of diphtheria across the state.
By Ibrahim Isah
