Diphtheria Outbreak: Kano Govt Mobilises Health Workers, Unveils Frontline Incentives
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The Kano State Government at the weekend ordered the mobilisation of additional healthcare personnel to strengthen its response to the resurgence of diphtheria cases across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, announced the emergency measures during a visit to the Diphtheria Treatment Centre at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), where he delivered medical commodities provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to support treatment and patient care.
He also disclosed that the state government had approved special allowances for frontline health workers treating infected patients, describing the incentive as recognition of their dedication and sacrifices.
Dr. Yusuf said the government had directed all health workers previously trained by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in diphtheria case management to return to the facility to reinforce its workforce and improve patient care amid the growing public health challenge.
Yusuf explained that the directive forms part of a broader strategy to expand the treatment centre’s capacity while ensuring uninterrupted and quality healthcare services.
“We are here because the health and wellbeing of our people remain our foremost responsibility. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has made it clear that no patient will be abandoned and no health worker risking his or her life on the frontline will be forgotten,” the commissioner said.
He added: “Our frontline workers have continued to serve with courage despite the risks associated with infectious diseases. Their sacrifices have been recognised, and they will receive allowances as a mark of appreciation and encouragement.”
Receiving the medical commodities on behalf of the treatment centre, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, commended Governor Yusuf and the Ministry of Health for the prompt intervention, saying the supplies would strengthen the facility’s capacity to provide quality care.
He assured that the items would be judiciously managed and utilised for the benefit of patients.
The commissioner, accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry of Health and the Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, also inspected the facility and interacted with patients and healthcare workers as part of efforts to assess the centre’s operations firsthand.
The delegation further confirmed the availability of essential utilities, including water and electricity, to ensure uninterrupted clinical services at the facility.