How Kano father lost five children to diphtheria outbreak within eight days

A Kano resident, Ibrahim Yusuf, has recounted how he lost five of his children within eight days to suspected diphtheria in the Danbare area of the metropolis.

According to Daily Trust, Yusuf’s ordeal began when his children developed a fever and were rushed to a primary health centre before being transferred to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH). Two children died on Monday, followed by three others in quick succession by Wednesday.

The grieving father, who has 11 children, identified the deceased as Sadiq, Aisha, Zainab, Umar, and Aliyu.

“They told us it was diphtheria. They admitted them, but two of them died the same day,” Yusuf said, calling on the authorities to intensify efforts to contain the surging outbreak.

Health officials have continually urged residents to seek early medical attention and ensure children are vaccinated against the preventable bacterial infection.