The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Alhajj Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, has expressed concern over reports of a worsening Diphtheria outbreak in the state. In a press statement, Dan'iya stated that more than 50 children may have lost their lives to suspected complications from the disease. He called on the Sokoto state government and the Ministry of Health to provide citizens with a clear and comprehensive update on the situation.
Dan'iya claimed that recent reports have documented concerns from residents over suspected child deaths, including a reported death in Kwalkwalawa. The state government had earlier directed schools to heighten vigilance and report suspected cases. He stressed that the reported death toll, if confirmed, would constitute a serious public health emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.
The ADC governorship candidate urged the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), to intensify disease surveillance, laboratory confirmation, contact tracing, vaccination, and treatment of suspected cases. He also called for properly equipped isolation and treatment facilities, adequate medicines and medical personnel, and stronger coordination between hospitals, schools, and communities.
Dan'iya noted that Diphtheria remains a vaccine-preventable disease, and the NCDC has identified Sokoto among states contributing to Nigeria's confirmed Diphtheria burden. He called on the government to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign in affected areas, educating parents and residents on symptoms, prevention, vaccination, and where to obtain immediate medical attention.
The ADC candidate emphasized that parents should not rely on rumors or traditional remedies when dealing with symptoms that may require urgent medical intervention. He urged the government to publish regular situation reports stating the number of suspected and confirmed cases, deaths, affected communities, and specific measures being taken to contain transmission.
Dan'iya expressed sympathy with families who may have lost children or relatives during the outbreak and urged the government to take decisive action. He noted that the state government has already demonstrated an interest in strengthening surveillance and response to child deaths through its recently inaugurated Maternal, Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance and Response committee.
Dan'iya stressed that the protection of children must remain above politics, and every suspected death deserves proper investigation and every preventable infection deserves an urgent response. He called for a coordinated emergency response capable of stopping further transmission, protecting schools and communities, and ensuring that no Sokoto child loses their life due to a lack of timely information, vaccination, or medical treatment.
Key points
- The Sokoto ADC governorship candidate, Alhajj Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, has raised concerns over the worsening Diphtheria outbreak in Sokoto State.
- Dan'iya claimed that over 50 children may have died from suspected Diphtheria complications and called for urgent government intervention.
- The ADC candidate urged the government to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign and provide regular situation reports on the outbreak.
