Gombe launches emergency vaccination campaign after 332 diphtheria cases
The Gombe State Government has initiated an emergency vaccination campaign following the confirmation of 332 diphtheria cases across four local government areas: Akko, Gombe, Kwami, and Funakaye.
The state’s Ministry of Education has instructed school principals to collaborate with health officials during the vaccination effort. The first phase of the immunization program is scheduled from September 20 to 24, 2026.
Officials have outlined a schedule for the vaccination doses, stating that the second dose will be administered 14 days after the first, with the third and final dose given seven days thereafter.
Additionally, school principals have been tasked with educating students, parents, Parent-Teacher Associations, and School-Based Management Committees about the vaccination initiative. They are also required to facilitate access for authorized health workers to provide vaccinations to students and to promote measures aimed at controlling the outbreak.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals.
The outbreak has prompted an increase in vaccination and awareness campaigns within schools and communities in the affected areas.
