Diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria have been highly concentrated, with seven states — Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa — accounting for 96.6% of suspected cases reported between 2022 and 2025. Kano recorded 24,062 cases, making it the epicentre of the outbreak. This highlights a major public health concern that demands urgent intervention, especially in the northern regions of the country.
When diseases disproportionately affect specific regions, it places immense pressure on local healthcare systems, stretching resources thin and increasing the risk of further outbreaks. The significant case disparity suggests underlying factors such as vaccination gaps, healthcare accessibility, and public awareness that requires immediate attention.
