Diphtheria outbreak hits children in Katsina and Kano estates of Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has activated an emergency task force to contain a diphtheria outbreak affecting children in Katsina and Kano States. 500,000 doses of vaccines have been deployed to strengthen immunization and close surveillance gaps. The task force, co-chaired by the NCDC Director-General and the Director of Public Health, will work to establish treatment annexes and mobilize urgent support for referral care.