Lawmakers Raise Alarm As Diphtheria Outbreak Kills Over 50 Children In Kano –
Kano Lawmakers Address Diphtheria Outbreak Following Reports of Over 50 Child Deaths
KANO, Nigeria — Lawmakers in Kano State have expressed urgent concerns about a diphtheria outbreak that has claimed the lives of more than 50 children across various communities. They are calling for increased government intervention to manage the situation effectively.
The issue was raised during a plenary session of the Kano State House of Assembly on Tuesday by Ibrahim Rano, the representative for Rano Constituency. Rano emphasized the outbreak’s significance as a public health emergency, noting that it has spread beyond previously isolated areas, impacting communities such as Rurum and Sabuwar Kaura.
“Today, I present to you a matter of urgent public health need — a diphtheria outbreak affecting Rurum and Sabuwar Kaura,” Rano stated. “I seek the House’s support for swift action.”
His motion received backing from Yusuf Bello, the Minority Whip and representative for Nassarawa Constituency. Rano reported that over 50 children had succumbed to the disease, although he noted that recent interventions had helped mitigate its spread.
“We experienced an outbreak in Rano that resulted in the tragic deaths of more than 50 children. After reporting to health authorities, we mobilized resources, purchased necessary medications, and deployed medical staff to provide immediate support to affected areas, which assisted in curbing further spread,” he explained.
Rano urged his colleagues to inform Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Commissioner for Health about the urgent need for additional measures to prevent further transmission of the disease.
He added that the fatalities linked to diphtheria had risen in recent months, with several communities facing challenges similar to those of the past year.
The discussion intensified as Usman Abubakar, representing Kiru Constituency, disclosed that communities within his jurisdiction have also reported cases of diphtheria. “This outbreak is not limited to Rano; areas like Kwanar Dangora, Garin Dangora, and Yalwa are also experiencing incidents,” he stated.
Abubakar shared a harrowing account of a family in his community that lost two siblings in a single day to the illness. He called on the government to establish a committee dedicated to addressing the disease’s spread across Kano State, particularly in the affected regions.
Following extensive discussions, the House unanimously approved a resolution directing its Committee on Health to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to implement emergency measures in the impacted communities. Lawmakers underscored the critical need for coordinated action to prevent further loss of life and control the spread of diphtheria throughout the state.
By Ibrahim Isah
