The Director of Publicity and Advocacy of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, has sounded the alarm over a suspected outbreak of diphtheria in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State, following the tragic deaths of five children within a span of less than 24 hours.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Suleiman, who is also a respected elder in the Tukur-Tukur community, expressed deep concern over the potential health crisis.
Suleiman revealed that the deceased children all exhibited symptoms consistent with diphtheria, a highly contagious and deadly disease.
He said : “It is with profound concern and a heavy heart that I, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, an elder representing the Tukur-Tukur community in Zaria, address our community members, health authorities, and the general public regarding a highly alarming situation that has unfolded in our midst.
We are witnessing an urgent health crisis as there is a strong likelihood of an outbreak of diphtheria disease in our community.
In a shocking turn of events, it has been reported that five children have tragically lost their lives within a span of less than 24 hours, all exhibiting similar symptoms consistent with diphtheria. The cause of these illnesses has raised grave concern among families and health officials alike. Some of the affected children succumbed to this devastating disease at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Teaching Hospital in Shika, while others tragically passed away in the confines of their homes.
This disturbing phenomenon has sent shockwaves throughout our community, which is known for its vibrant spirit and solidarity. The symptoms observed among the children include severe throat infections, difficulty in breathing, and distinct rashes, and there are reports of more children exhibiting these alarming signs. It is critical to emphasize that many children in Tukur-Tukur have been exposed to these symptoms, posing an imminent risk of widespread infection and further loss of life.
Given the gravity of this situation, I urgently call upon health authorities at all levels—local, state, and federal—to promptly intervene and address this emerging health crisis. The health and well-being of our children must be the utmost priority. We require immediate mobilization of medical resources, the establishment of health awareness campaigns to educate families about the symptoms and prevention measures, and the mobilization of healthcare professionals to provide necessary care and swift diagnosis.
Our community is in desperate need of support. We implore the government, health agencies, and non-governmental organizations to provide timely assistance to prevent further tragedies and contain this potential outbreak. It is imperative that we act collectively and decisively to safeguard the lives of our vulnerable children.
We have earlier convened an urgent meeting with community leaders, parents, and health professionals and discussed this crisis to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect our children. It appears however that the vaccines required are not readily available.
In sharing this message, we reiterate that health is a communal responsibility. We must be vigilant, proactive, and united in our approach to confront this threat to our children’s lives.”
