Nigeria: 2024-2026 Diphtheria

[Shiloh]

Source: https://leadership.ng/msf-alerts-on-diphtheria-spread-in-bauchi-kano-borno/


MSF Alerts On Diphtheria Spread In Bauchi, Kano, Borno
6 minutes ago

Doctors Without Borders, better known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in collaboration with several state Ministries of Health (MOH), has intensified its emergency response since August following a sharp rise in diphtheria cases in Borno, Kano and Bauchi states.
Advertisement

According to MSF, hundreds of suspected cases have been recorded over the past three months, reported by Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and overwhelmed health facilities, highlighting critical gaps in treatment capacity and vaccination coverage...

​

 

[Pathfinder]

Diphtheria - African Region (AFRO)

21 November 2025
...
Summary of individual country situations from 1 January to 2 November 2025
...
Nigeria

Nigeria continues to report the highest number of diphtheria cases in the African Region. From 1 January to 2 November 2025, 12 150 suspected cases have been reported, with 8 587 confirmed and 884 deaths (CFR 7.2%). Confirmed cases have been reported from 240 Local Government Areas across 30 states. Most cases are clinically compatible, with only 3% confirmed by laboratory testing. The outbreak has disproportionately affected children and adolescents, with low vaccination coverage contributing to the spread. In Nigeria more than 2 million children are under-immunized, including those with zero-doses, highlighting the high risk of further spread. Reactive campaigns have been conducted in Imo, Kaduna and Lagos, targeting health workers and priority populations. The outbreak overlaps with areas targeted by the Big Catch-up initiative. Challenges include delayed laboratory confirmation, poor IPC practices, limited information, education and communication materials, and vaccine shortages. Discussions with Gavi are ongoing to secure additional support. According to WUENIC in 2024, the estimates show 71% coverage for the first DTP dose and 67% for the third.
...

https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/DON588

​

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.brandiconimage.com/2026/01/niger-state-moves-swiftly-to-contain.html

Niger State Moves Swiftly to Contain Suspected Diphtheria Outbreak in Bida
BrandIconImage
a day ago

Health authorities in Niger State have launched an emergency public health response following reports of a suspected diphtheria outbreak in the Efu Lungoyi community of Masaba A Ward, Bida Local Government Area, which has claimed the life of an eight-year-old boy.

The incident, reported in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, prompted the state government to immediately activate a rapid response mechanism aimed at containing the situation and preventing further loss of life. Officials confirmed that several other children in the community have shown symptoms consistent with diphtheria, a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease.

Commissioner for Health, Murtala Bagana, said he received a distress call alerting the ministry to the suspected outbreak and promptly convened an emergency meeting involving key health stakeholders. Those mobilised included officials from the Bida Local Government Primary Health Care department, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Office (DSNO), the Local Immunisation Office (LIO), field epidemiologists, and representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO).​..

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://chronicle.ng/kaduna-parents-diphtheria-children/

Kaduna govt warns parents as diphtheria cases increase among children
Opalim Lifted July 11, 2026​

The Kaduna State Government has issued an urgent public health advisory following a rise in diphtheria cases among children across the state, urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations.

The warning was issued by the Kaduna State Ministry of Health after health authorities recorded an increase in confirmed infections, particularly among children who have not completed their immunisation schedules.​..