Source: Aisha Yusufu

Shehu Iyal Primary Health Center Kwarbai Zaria (PHOTO CREDIT: Aisha Yusufu)

At least 840 suspected cases and 62 confirmed infections were recorded in Kaduna as of May 2025. Health workers say low immunization rates, poor public awareness, and weak healthcare access are fueling the outbreak.

In Kaduna State, a growing diphtheria outbreak is silently devastating communities, especially among children. Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, diphtheria has continued to spread in parts of the state due to low immunisation coverage, misinformation, and gaps in the public health system.

According to data obtained as of May 2025, Kaduna State recorded at least 840 suspected cases of diphtheria, with 62 confirmed infections. Most of the victims are children under the age of 14, many of whom had not received the full course of childhood immunizations.

A Resurging Threat in 2025

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the throat and airways and can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, and death if not treated quickly. It is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. Although global health agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have long emphasized the importance of routine vaccination, outbreaks like the one in Kaduna highlight persistent gaps in implementation.

In Kaduna’s rural communities—particularly in hard-to-reach or conflict-prone areas—many families either lack access to vaccines or are unaware of the risks of non-immunisation.

Why Is Diphtheria Still Killing Children?

Health experts blame several factors for the recurring outbreaks:

• Low Routine Immunisation Coverage: Many children do not complete the full DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine series due to unavailability of vaccines, lack of awareness, or reluctance from caregivers.
• Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation: In some communities, myths and fears around vaccines discourage parents from taking their children for immunisation.
• Weak Surveillance and Response: Delays in detecting and reporting cases mean interventions come too late. Health systems in affected LGAs are overstretched or under-resourced.
• Inadequate Health Infrastructure: Many rural areas in Kaduna lack functional health centres, cold chain storage for vaccines, and trained personnel.

Voices from the Ground

“I lost my 8-year-old son to diphtheria,” said Halima Sani, a mother in Giwa Local Government Area. “We thought it was just sore throat and fever until he couldn’t breathe anymore.”

Community health workers echo these tragedies. “We are seeing more children with swollen necks, difficulty breathing, and fever—classic signs of diphtheria,” said Musa Ibrahim, a local health volunteer in Zaria. “Most of them have never received any vaccine.”

The Role of Government and Partners

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and international organisations, has launched a reactive vaccination campaign in high-risk LGAs. However, experts say emergency campaigns alone won’t be enough.

“We need stronger routine immunisation, better community outreach, and faster case detection,” said Dr. Hauwa Musa, a paediatrician based in Kaduna. “Lives are being lost to a disease we have the tools to prevent.”

What Needs to Happen Now

To stop the spread of diphtheria and prevent further deaths, health advocates recommend:

• Scaling up routine immunisation efforts in underserved areas
• Combatting vaccine misinformation through community engagement
• Strengthening disease surveillance and case reporting
• Improving access to primary health care services
• Providing ongoing support to health workers on the frontlines

Conclusion