Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Federal Ministry of Health reports that Kano, Yobe, and Katsina states have the highest cases of diphtheria as of October 3rd, 2023. Borno, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kaduna, Lagos, FCT, Gombe, Osun, Sokoto, Niger, Cross River, Enugu, Imo, Nasarawa, Zamfara, and Kebbi states also reported cases. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) reported 13,204 cases as of October 3rd, 2023, with 8,406 confirmed cases from 114 Local Government Areas in 19 states. Most confirmed cases were from unvaccinated children. The 19 states with high cases are considering reinstating mandatory facemask use in public gatherings as a preventive measure against community transmission. Standard Operating Procedures for Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) use in health facilities and treatment centers have been developed and disseminated across the states.