511 cases, 13 deaths: Yobe documents diphtheria outbreak across 12 LGs

Yobe State has recorded 511 diphtheria cases and 13 deaths between January and September 8, 2026, spread across 12 local government areas — though authorities say the figures represent a significant improvement from the 3,080 cases recorded at the disease’s peak in 2023, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

According to Daily Trust, Commissioner for Health Muhammad Gana attributed the decline to sustained outbreak response measures including free medication, intensive vaccination campaigns in hard-to-reach areas, aggressive contact tracing and community sensitisation.

The 2.5 per cent case fatality rate is lower than most other affected Nigerian states, Gana noted, crediting support from WHO, UNICEF and the African Field Epidemiology Network for assisting vaccination efforts, particularly in nomadic settlements.