At least 50 children have died from a diphtheria outbreak in Kano State, with the State House of Assembly urging the government to take immediate action to contain the spread of the disease.
The affected communities are Rurum A, Rurum B and Sabuwar Kaura in Rurum Ward of Rano Local Government Area, where the outbreak has reportedly claimed the lives of several children.
The lawmaker representing Rano Constituency, Ibrahim Malami, raised the alarm on Tuesday while presenting a motion of urgent public importance before the House, calling for increased government intervention.
Malami said the medical department of Rano Local Government Area had already begun emergency measures to respond to the outbreak, adding that his office had supported the intervention by providing drugs.
He also expressed appreciation to his colleagues for supporting the call for stronger government action, stressing the need for intensified efforts to contain the disease and prevent further deaths.
The House’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the outbreak on children in the affected communities.
The state government is expected to strengthen disease surveillance, treatment and other emergency response measures to contain transmission and protect residents from further infections and deaths.