A public health concern has emerged in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State, as residents on Sunday, raised alarm over the deadly diphtheria disease making a troubling resurgence, prompting urgent calls for intervention.

The children reportedly exhibited symptoms including sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and profound weakness, signs of diphtheria.
In a statement, a community leader and director in the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, raised the alarm following the death of two children within 48 hours.

As the community mourns its young victims, leaders like Suleiman continue to rally for action, calling the resurgence of diphtheria a reminder that the fight against preventable diseases is far from over.
Suleiman said: “The recent tragic loss of two children within just 48 hours, exhibiting symptoms such as sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and debilitating weakness, underscores the urgent need for a coordinated health response.

“Diphtheria, a bacterial infection primarily affecting the throat and nose, poses significant risks, including respiratory failure and heart damage. Once a common childhood illness, the introduction of widespread vaccination programs in the mid-20th century drastically reduced its prevalence.

“However, the outbreak in Tukur-Tukur serves as a reminder of the fragility of our public health achievements. Just months ago, our community faced a similar crisis that claimed four lives before health officials, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, intervened to control the spread.

“The recurrence of diphtheria in Tukur-Tukur raises critical questions about the state of our public health infrastructure, vaccination coverage, and community awareness.

“The cyclical nature of such outbreaks often unveils underlying systemic issues, including inadequate access to healthcare, vaccine hesitancy, and insufficient community engagement. As I have emphasized, the cooperation of parents with health workers is paramount in combating this resurgence.
“It is essential for parents to recognize the importance of vaccinations and to seek immediate medical attention for any symptoms indicative of diphtheria or other communicable diseases.”

He urged parents to cooperate with health workers by ensuring their children receive vaccinations and by seeking immediate medical help at the first sign of illness.

He added, “The current crisis, fostering a culture of health literacy within our communities is essential. Educational initiatives aimed at informing parents about the dangers of diphtheria, the significance of vaccination, and the need for prompt medical intervention can empower individuals to take charge of their health and that of their children.

“Engaging community leaders, teachers, and local organizations in these efforts can amplify the reach and impact of health messages, creating a united front against the resurgence of diseases that threaten the well-being of our children.”