Niger State has recorded 17 deaths from 124 diphtheria cases between January and August 2026, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Bagana, has disclosed.
Bagana made the disclosure over the weekend in Minna during an interactive session with journalists, saying the state had also recorded three new cases, while 74 patients had been treated and discharged.
He described diphtheria as a deadly but vaccine-preventable disease and stressed the need to strengthen routine immunisation to reduce outbreaks and deaths.
According to the commissioner, the state has intensified its immunisation efforts, conducting two mass vaccination campaigns so far this year.
He said the government was also deploying communication strategies involving traditional and religious leaders to encourage residents to embrace vaccination.
Bagana urged parents to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations, noting that vaccines are available free of charge at public health facilities across the state.
He said the government was also working to improve access to clean water and primary healthcare, particularly in communities affected by open defecation and poor sanitation.
The commissioner further announced that victims of snakebites and accidents could receive free treatment at state-owned hospitals if they present their National Identification Number (NIN) and report within 48 hours of sustaining their injuries.
He also urged residents to take pregnant women about to give birth to designated hospitals in Minna, Bida, Suleja and Kontagora local government areas.
Bagana said eligible women who present their NIN would receive free delivery services under an intervention by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The commissioner said the measures were part of efforts to improve access to healthcare and reduce preventable deaths across the state.
