A diphtheria outbreak in Agaie and Bida Local Government Areas of Niger State has allegedly claimed the lives of ten children admitted at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC Bida.
It was gathered that reports of the disease outbreak emerged over two weeks, with five deaths initially recorded, followed by a further five deaths.
DAILY POST also learnt that, aside from the 10 lives lost, the figure may be higher due to ongoing fatalities in affected communities.
Worried by the development, residents of the affected LGAs are sounding the alarm, urging the state government to take immediate action to curb the spread of the disease and provide necessary medical support.
They claimed that FMC Bida allegedly lacks the required medicines and treatment facilities to handle the outbreak, leading to a dire situation in which children are dying.
A resident of Bida, Yusuf Yakub, who wrote an open letter to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, pleaded for urgent intervention to save lives.
He wrote in his letter: “Dear Executive Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago,
It is with deep sorrow that we report the tragic loss of five children yesterday at the Federal Medical Centre Bida due to the outbreak of diphtheria. Sadly, this has brought the total number of children who have lost their lives at FMC Bida as a result of this disease to nine.”
“The situation is alarming as FMC Bida currently lacks the necessary medicines and treatment facilities to handle this outbreak. Children are dying almost daily, and this calls for urgent intervention.
“We therefore plead with the Niger State Government and the Ministry of Primary Health Care to take immediate and decisive action. It is crucial to provide adequate drugs, vaccines, and medical support to FMC Bida to save the lives of our innocent children.
“This is a matter of life and death, and timely action will not only curb the spread of diphtheria but also restore confidence in our healthcare system.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr Mohammed Gana, confirmed the outbreak and assured that everything possible is being done to control its spread.
He attributed the high death toll to some parents refusing to bring their children for vaccination but expressed gratitude to partners for providing medications.
However, when contacted for a reaction, the Public Relations Officer of FMC Bida, Mr Kayode Arokoyo, denied that any children had died in the centre due to the outbreak of diphtheria.
According to him: “I am not aware of the outbreak of the disease in the centre. I will get across to the officer in charge of community health on the issue and get back to you.”
As at the time of filing this report, the centre had yet to respond to our reporter.