Diphtheria Outbreak: Sokoto Residents Raise Alarm Over Suspected Child Deaths, Response
By GaskiyaCast
The outbreak of diphtherie in Sokoto State continues to raise concerns, with alleged reports of children losing their lives to the disease despite an earlier alert by the state government urging residents, particularly school authorities to take precautionary measures to protect children.
Following the government’s warning, residents expected authorities to introduce strategic measures to contain the spread of the disease and prevent further infections across communities in the state.
However, findings by GaskiyaCast indicate that concerns are growing among residents over what they described as an inadequate response to the outbreak.
Investigations suggest that since the outbreak was reported earlier this month, more children may have died from suspected diphtheria related com plications. Residents and health sources, however, expressed concern that the situation may not be fully reflected in official figures.
In Kwalkwalawa community, a resident, on the condition of anonymity, narrated how his six year old son reportedly die after developing symptoms associated with diphtheria.
According to him, his son’s condition deteriorated on a Sunday morning, prompting the family to rush him to a hospital for medical attention.
“It was on Sunday morning when his condition deteriorated. After we noticed this we tried to rush him to the hospital, but unfortunately we were told that there was no provision to adequately manage his condition” he said.
He said the family, after being informed that the hospital could not provide the required treatment, resorted to traditional medicine in an attempt to save the boy’s life.
“After hearing that, we did not resign ourselves to fate. We resorted to herbal medicine, but unfortunately, he lost his life” he added.
A similar situation was reportedly recorded in Rikina village, where about two children were said to have died after suffering from symptoms believed to be associated with diphtheria.
The reported deaths have heightened concerns among residents, who are calling for urgent intervention to prevent the disease from spreading further, particularly among children.
A medical doctor in the state, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over what he described as a slow response to the outbreak.
The doctor confirmed that children have continued to lose their lives amid the outbreak, saying the increasing number of suspected cases should prompt immediate intervention by relevant authorities.
According to him, stronger preventive and containment measures introduced at the early stage of the outbreak could help reduce the risk of further transmission and deaths.
The medical practitioner called for increased surveillance, early detection and treatment of suspected cases, public awareness campaigns and effective coordination between health authorities, schools and communities.
As concerns mount, residences are urging the Sokoto State Government and relevant health authorities to provide clear and regular updates on the situation including the number of confirmed cases, deaths, treatment centres and measures being taken to contain the outbreak.
