Sokoto ADC governorship candidate raises concerns over alleged Diphtheria deaths

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Alhajj Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has expressed concern over reports of worsening Diphtheria outbreak in the state

Dan’iya who stated this in a press statement issued and made available to newsmen in Sokoto by his media aide.

The governorship candidate claimed 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 urgently provide citizens with a clear and comprehensive update on the situation.

“Recent reports have documented concerns from residents over suspected child deaths, including a reported death in Kwalkwalawa, while the state government had earlier directed schools to heighten vigilance and report suspected cases,” he stated

He further said the reported death toll, if confirmed, would constitute a serious public health emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.

He stressed that the figure of over 50 deaths circulating must be urgently verified by the appropriate health authorities, because families deserve accurate information about the number of suspected and confirmed cases, deaths, recoveries and patients currently receiving treatment.

He urged the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and relevant health institutions, to immediately 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 also said Diphtheria remains a vaccine-preventable disease, and the NCDC has identified Sokoto among states contributing to Nigeria’s confirmed Diphtheria burden.

The ADC candidate further called on the government to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign in Sokoto East, Sokoto South, Sokoto Central and other affected areas, using radio, television, schools, mosques, traditional institutions, health workers and community leaders to educate parents and residents on symptoms, prevention, vaccination and where to obtain immediate medical attention.

He said parents should not be left to depend on rumours or traditional remedies when dealing with symptoms that may require urgent medical intervention.

He also urged the government to publish regular situation reports stating the number of suspected and confirmed cases, deaths, affected communities and LGAs, designated treatment centres, vaccination coverage, available medical supplies and specific measures being taken to contain transmission.

He noted that the state government has already demonstrated an institutional interest in strengthening surveillance and response to child deaths through its recently inaugurated Maternal, Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance and Response committee, making timely and transparent reporting particularly important at this moment.

Dan’iya expressed sympathy with families who may have lost children or relatives during the outbreak and urged the government not to wait for the situation to deteriorate before taking decisive action.

He said the protection of children must remain above politics, stressing that 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 his or her life because timely information, vaccination or medical treatment was unavailable.