Kano Assembly Seeks Emergency Action As Diphtheria Kills Over 50 Children

Kano lawmakers have asked the state government to send more emergency help to Rano Local Government Area after a diphtheria outbreak reportedly killed more than 50 children.

The appeal came through a motion at the Kano State House of Assembly, where lawmakers said the outbreak had badly affected communities in Rano and was spreading concern in neighbouring areas.

Reports from the House named affected communities including Ridin, Sabuwar Kaura, Rurum A and Rurum B. The Rano lawmaker said local medical workers had begun emergency treatment and that drugs had also been supplied, but warned that the response was still not enough.

Another lawmaker, Usman Abubakar Tasiu of Kiru Constituency, said the disease had also reached communities such as Kwarin Dangora, Dangora town and Yelwa. He said one APC youth leader in Kiru town lost two children in one day.

The lawmakers urged Governor Abba Yusuf and the state health ministry to send more personnel, medicines and support to the affected communities before the outbreak claims more lives. They also said the latest deaths followed a similar outbreak in the area last year.

Sources: Punch, Daily Post