124 Diphtheria Cases, 17 Deaths: Niger Intensifies Vaccination Drive
By STELLA JOHNSON OGBOVOVEH
NIGER State has recorded 124 cases of diphtheria between January and August 2026. The outbreak has claimed 17 lives.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, disclosed this on Friday in Minna during an interaction with journalists.
He said three new cases had been recorded. A total of 74 patients had recovered and been discharged.
Bagana described diphtheria as a deadly but vaccine-preventable disease. He said stronger routine immunisation remained key to controlling the outbreak.
He said the state had conducted two mass vaccination campaigns in 2026. The government is also working with traditional and religious leaders to promote vaccine acceptance.
According to him, vaccines remain free at public health facilities across the state.
He urged parents to ensure that their children receive the recommended vaccines.
Niger has also recorded 21 suspected measles cases. Nine have so far been confirmed.
The commissioner said the government had completed an isolation centre to improve its response to infectious diseases.
He added that authorities were expanding access to water and primary healthcare, especially in communities affected by poor sanitation and open defecation.
Bagana also announced free treatment for snake-bite and accident victims who report to state-owned hospitals within 24 hours and present their National Identification Number.
Patients who arrive after 48 hours, however, will not qualify for the free treatment under the scheme.
The commissioner said a recent medical outreach in Minna provided eye surgery to more than 370 people. More than 1,500 residents received eyeglasses, while about 500 others received walking sticks.
He urged residents to maintain proper sanitation and boil water from streams, rivers and rainwater sources before drinking it to reduce the risk of cholera.
Bagana said the government was also upgrading major hospitals, including the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Specialist Hospital and other general hospitals.
He said the measures were designed to improve access to quality healthcare and strengthen the state’s capacity to respond to public health threats.
