The federal government has deployed an emergency multi-agency task force to strengthen surveillance, close immunisation gaps and expand access to treatment following diphtheria outbreaks in Kano and Katsina states.

Ado Bako, an Assistant Director in the Information and Public Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, directed the establishment of the task force as part of efforts to protect children and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.

“The federal government reaffirms its resolve to protect Nigerian children from vaccine preventable diseases and remains committed to a swift, coordinated and evidence based response to bring the outbreak under control,” the statement said.

The development follows reports of deaths among children in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State.

On Wednesday, a lawmaker in the Kano State House of Assembly raised the alarm over a severe diphtheria outbreak in the area and called for urgent intervention.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious and highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

The infection spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact with an infected person.

Common symptoms include fever, sore throat and the development of a thick grey or white membrane in the throat, which can obstruct breathing. Severe cases can cause complications such as heart and nerve damage.

Vaccination with diphtheria toxoid containing vaccines, including the pentavalent vaccine routinely administered to infants, remains the most effective protection against the disease.

Nigeria has recorded more than 40,000 suspected diphtheria cases and over 1,000 deaths since the outbreak began in 2022.

Multi agency response

The newly established task force will coordinate the federal and state response and comprises the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), affected state governments and international health partners.

The committee will be jointly led by the Director General of the NCDC and the Director of Public Health, who will serve as co chairs.

Its members include representatives of the NPHCDA; health commissioners from Katsina, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto states; the World Health Organisation (WHO); the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme in Katsina.

The ministry’s chief epidemiologist will serve as secretary of the committee.

Vaccination and treatment

The task force will focus on containing the outbreak by investigating cases, strengthening disease surveillance and intensifying community sensitisation.

It will also work to identify and immunise children who have not received the required vaccines, particularly in communities where immunity gaps may be contributing to the spread of the disease.

As part of the immediate response, the NPHCDA has deployed 500,000 doses of vaccines to Kano and Katsina states.

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Beyond vaccination, the task force is working with the Katsina State government to establish hospital treatment annexes across the Katsina, Daura and Funtua senatorial districts.

The annexes are expected to facilitate early treatment and bring care closer to affected communities.

Emergency support is also being mobilised for referral services at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina, which serves as the primary treatment centre for the state and neighbouring areas.

The support includes supplies of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT), intravenous antibiotics, additional clinical personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE).

The task force will provide the minister with weekly updates on the response, including emerging challenges and additional requirements, to ensure that identified bottlenecks are promptly addressed.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo continued his impressive start to life at Charlton Athletic, keeping a clean sheet on his home debut as the English Championship side defeated Preston North End 1–0.

Sports247 reports that the Nigerian goalkeeper delivered another composed performance between the posts, helping Charlton secure maximum points at home and maintain their strong start to the new campaign.

Okonkwo joined Charlton on a season-long loan from Wrexham and has wasted little time making an impression. After producing a standout display in his first appearance during Charlton’s 2–1 away victory over West Ham, the 24-year-old followed it up with another assured outing against Preston.

His latest performance was particularly important as Charlton protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle. Okonkwo remained focused throughout the encounter and helped ensure that Preston were unable to find a way past him.

The clean sheet also represents another significant milestone for the goalkeeper as he continues to establish himself in the highly competitive Championship.

Okonkwo’s statistics from his opening two league appearances tell the story of a promising beginning: Two games, two wins, nine saves and a clean sheet — Arthur Okonkwo is making an early statement in the Championship.

The goalkeeper’s eight-save performance against West Ham proved crucial in securing victory on his debut, while his home display against Preston demonstrated his consistency and ability to provide stability from the back.

For Charlton, Okonkwo’s arrival appears to have strengthened an important position, with the goalkeeper already contributing directly to two victories.

The early performances will also be welcomed by Nigerian supporters, particularly as Okonkwo continues his development and seeks to strengthen his position within the Super Eagles setup.

Although the Championship season remains long and demanding, the former Wrexham goalkeeper has given Charlton plenty of reasons to be optimistic about his contribution.

His confidence, shot-stopping ability and composure have been evident from the opening two fixtures, while the clean sheet on his home debut provides further evidence of his growing influence.

Charlton will now look to build on their positive start, with Okonkwo expected to remain a key part of their plans as the season progresses.