The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,319 deaths from the ongoing diphtheria outbreak, with Kano State accounting for 75% of confirmed cases.
According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, over 42,000 suspected cases have been recorded across 37 states since 2022. Experts attribute the high fatality rate to low vaccination coverage, delayed case confirmation, and inadequate testing facilities.
Despite the government’s vaccination campaigns, only 19.3% of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated. Public health experts warn that without urgent mass immunisation and improved disease surveillance, the outbreak could worsen.
