FG establishes task force to combat diphtheria outbreak

The Federal Government has established an emergency task force to address the diphtheria outbreak in the country.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made this announcement in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the primary goal of this task force is to contain the spread of the disease, which has been identified in 14 states, with Kano being the most severely affected.

The affected states include Lagos, Osun, FCT, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kano.

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The task force will be jointly chaired by Dr. Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. Dr. Anyaike Chukwuma, the ministry’s Director in charge of public health, will also be a member.

Additionally, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Ministry of Information, and the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery (NTLC) will have representation on the team.

The primary aim of the task force is to respond urgently to prevent the further spread of diphtheria to other states and provide assistance to affected communities.

The minister stressed the importance of raising awareness about the disease, its risks, and preventive measures, especially with children returning to school.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted the need for the task force to work with state governors to secure funding, promote ownership, and facilitate mass mobilization efforts.