Niger steps up surveillance after fresh polio and diphtheria cases

The Niger State Government has intensified disease surveillance and community sensitisation efforts following the detection of three new polio cases in Mariga and Magama Local Government Areas.

The state has also recorded cases of diphtheria in Bida, Chanchaga and Suleja LGAs, prompting health authorities to strengthen preventive measures against possible outbreaks.

As part of the response, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF and the United States Government, organised town hall meetings for over 350 traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders across affected areas.

Speaking at the engagement, the State Immunisation Officer, Abubakar Kpantu, said the return of polio after years without a recorded case calls for greater attention to routine immunisation and disease prevention.

“For years, we had not recorded any case of polio, but recently three cases were detected in Mariga and Magama LGAs, while diphtheria cases have been reported in Suleja, Bida and Chanchaga,” he said.

Kpantu noted that health officials are also monitoring the possibility of cholera and other communicable diseases during the rainy season.

According to him, the town hall meetings were organised to improve public awareness and strengthen community response to diseases such as cholera, meningitis, measles, diphtheria and Mpox.

The meetings were held in Bida, Bosso, Chanchaga, Gbako, Gurara, Kontagora and Suleja LGAs.

In his presentation, UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change State Facilitator, Adamu Mamba, urged community leaders to encourage early reporting of suspected cases and support vaccination campaigns.

He said traditional and religious leaders have a key role to play in sharing accurate health information and mobilising residents during public health emergencies.

Mamba also called on participants to support disease prevention efforts and promote healthy practices within their communities.