KNCDC mobilises Kano traditional rulers against Diphtheria

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has enlisted the aid of traditional rulers throughout Kano State's emirates and 44 local government areas to boost community awareness and encourage vaccination against diphtheria and other preventable diseases. This engagement transpired following a recent outbreak of diphtheria in Rano and a dispute over reported fatalities.

Prof. Muhammad Adamu-Abbas, KNCDC's Director-General, underscored the significance of vaccines during a meeting with traditional leaders at Kano's Kano Emirate Council. He emphasized the importance of increased vaccine acceptance and prompt reporting of suspected cases, noting that many diphtheria cases in the state involved unvaccinated children who sought treatment from chemists or traditional healers or were treated late at health facilities.

He appealed to traditional leaders to rally their communities to embrace vaccinations and advise residents to seek immediate medical attention upon noticing illness symptoms. Adamu-Abbas also cautioned traditional medicine practitioners and barbers against attempting to treat diphtheria cases, urging them to refer suspected patients promptly to health facilities.

Dr. Bashir Dankadai, Kano's Dankadai, pledged the traditional institution's commitment to supporting KNCDC's diphtheria campaign. He outlined a plan for district heads (Hakimai) to interact with village heads (Dagatai), who would then engage ward heads (Masu Unguwan) to educate residents about vaccinations and the value of early medical intervention.

Dankadai also warned traditional healers, especially barbers (Wanzamai), against interfering with diphtheria treatment or performing surgical interventions on affected individuals. The KNCDC had previously requested the swift provision of nine million vaccine doses to curb the disease's spread. Following the outbreak and fears of its potential expansion, the Federal Ministry of Health dispatched 500,000 doses of vaccines and a special task force to coordinate rapid surveillance and response efforts in Kano and Katsina states.