Nigeria: Diphtheria - Plateau Deploys Massive Medical Supplies to Communities

What the report says

Plateau State authorities have begun moving drugs and other medical supplies to health facilities treating patients in a suspected diphtheria outbreak, according to a Leadership report distributed by AllAfrica. Governor Caleb Mutfwang ordered the immediate mobilisation, and the state drug and medical commodity agency said the response was already underway at Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos.

The agency’s director-general said the state health commissioner was coordinating the response as officials worked to extend support to additional affected centres. The report says the government’s actions came after concerns over the spread of a highly infectious disease in several communities. Health officials also said patients were being isolated while surveillance, public awareness and other containment measures were being strengthened.

The article cites reported figures from state authorities indicating 23 deaths and 143 suspected cases over the two weeks before 1 September. It also says nine patients were receiving treatment at the two Jos hospitals. In a separate step aimed at limiting transmission, the Plateau government ordered all public and private primary and secondary schools to close from 7 September 2026 until further notice. The measures underline how health officials are trying to contain the outbreak while questions remain about vaccination coverage and school preparedness.