THE Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Bagana, has disclosed that the state recorded 17 deaths out of 124 cases of diphtheria between January and August 2026.

Speaking over the weekend in Minna during an interactive session with newsmen, Bagana said that three new cases had been recorded, while 74 patients had been treated and discharged.

He described diphtheria as a deadly but vaccine-preventable disease, stressing that strengthening routine immunisation was critical to reducing outbreaks and deaths.

The commissioner added that the state has intensified immunisation campaigns, with two mass vaccination campaigns conducted so far in 2026. He added that the government was also deploying communication strategies involving traditional and religious leaders to encourage residents to embrace vaccination.

Noting that all vaccines are available free of charge at public health facilities across the state, he urged parents to ensure that their children were vaccinated to protect them and prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Moreover, Bagana said the government was improving access to clean water and primary healthcare facilities, particularly in communities affected by open defecation and poor sanitation.

He further announced that victims of snakebite and accidents could also receive free treatment within 24 hours at all state-owned hospitals, provided they present their National Identification Number (NIN).

However, he stated that the free treatment is available only to those who report within 48 hours of sustaining the injuries.

Meanwhile, he urged citizens to take any woman about to give birth to designated hospitals in Minna, Bida, Suleja and Kontagora local councils, provided she has her NIN, and she would receive free delivery, as part of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s intervention.