Diphtheria outbreak kills 10 children in Niger State
A diphtheria outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 10 children in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, health officials confirmed on Thursday. The victims reportedly died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, where they were receiving treatment. The outbreak is said to have originated in Agaie Local Council before spreading to neighbouring Bida communities. Local sources disclosed that children have been dying “almost daily” since the outbreak began, with inadequate drug supplies and delayed treatment worsening the crisis. Residents of Bida have appealed to the Niger State Government to urgently supply drugs to General Hospital, Agaie and Umaru Sanda Ndayako Hospital, Bida, warning that without swift intervention, the outbreak could spread further. “Our people are not safe; this is a matter of life and death. Timely intervention will not only curb the spread of diphtheria but […]