A recent outbreak of diphtheria in Agaie and Bida Local Government Areas of Niger State has reportedly claimed the lives of ten children being treated at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC Bida. The disease outbreak was first reported over two weeks ago, with initial reports indicating five deaths, followed by an additional five fatalities.

According to sources, the actual number of deaths may be higher due to ongoing fatalities in the affected communities. Residents of the affected areas are expressing concern and urging the state government to take immediate action to curb the spread of the disease and provide necessary medical support. They claim that FMC Bida lacks the required medicines and treatment facilities to handle the outbreak, resulting in a dire situation where children are dying.

A resident of Bida, Yusuf Yakub, wrote an open letter to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, pleading for urgent intervention to save lives. In the letter, Yakub emphasized the alarming situation at FMC Bida, where children are dying almost daily due to the lack of necessary medicines and treatment facilities. He called on the Niger State Government and the Ministry of Primary Health Care to take immediate and decisive action to provide adequate drugs, vaccines, and medical support to FMC Bida.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana, confirmed the outbreak and assured that efforts are being made to control its spread. He attributed the high death toll to some parents’ refusal to vaccinate their children, but expressed gratitude to partners for providing medications.

However, the Public Relations Officer of FMC Bida, Mr. Kayode Arokoyo, denied knowledge of the outbreak and any resulting deaths at the center. Despite the denial, concerns remain about the ability of FMC Bida to effectively manage the outbreak due to reported shortages of essential medicines and treatment facilities.

The diphtheria outbreak in Niger State highlights the need for prompt and effective response to public health emergencies. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for the state government and relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to curb the spread of the disease and provide necessary medical support to affected communities.