10.08.2026 13:30
17 people have died due to a diphtheria outbreak in Niger State, Nigeria. Health Commissioner Murtala Bagana announced that 124 cases have been detected in the Bida, Suleja, and Shiroro areas, and 103 patients have been discharged. While more than 42,000 cases and approximately 1,400 deaths were recorded in the country between 2022 and 2025, the WHO has confirmed a second outbreak wave.
In Niger State, northern Nigeria, 17 people have been reported dead due to diphtheria. Niger State Health Commissioner Murtala Bagana, in a written statement, said that diphtheria cases are spreading in the Bida, Suleja, and Shiroro areas of the state.
Bagana reported that 124 diphtheria cases were recorded in these areas, and stated that 103 of these patients have been discharged from the hospital.
Bagana noted that 17 people lost their lives due to diphtheria, and called on officials to immediately contact the local government to protect public health.
UNICEF SENT 9.3 MILLION DOSES OF VACCINE TO THE COUNTRY
In Nigeria, more than 42,000 diphtheria cases were detected between 2022 and 2025, and approximately 1,400 people lost their lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the country is experiencing a second wave of the outbreak due to the increasing cases of diphtheria.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) sent 9.3 million doses of vaccine to Nigeria last year as part of the fight against the outbreak.
Diphtheria, also known as "diphtheria," occurs when the microorganism "corynebacterium diphtheriae" settles in the throat, nose, eyes, and skin. The contagious disease can lead to death.