Seven states accounted for 96.6% of the suspected diphtheria cases reported in Nigeria between 2022 and 2025

Key takeaways:

  • With 24,062 cases, Kano accounts for the highest number of suspected diphtheria cases, making up a significant portion of the total outbreak in Nigeria.
  • Yobe recorded 5,330 cases, while Katsina had 3,939 cases, reinforcing the concentration of diphtheria in northern states.
  • Bauchi and Borno report similar case counts, with 3,066 and 3,035 cases, respectively.
  • Kaduna (777 cases) and Jigawa (364 cases) report fewer cases but remain part of the seven states contributing to 96.6% of the outbreak.
  • Other states combined report 1,405 cases, showing that diphtheria is largely a regional issue.
  • Northern states dominate the case count, signaling potential regional healthcare and vaccination disparities.

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.

Source:

NCDC

Period:

2022 - 2025
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