Nigeria: Zamfara Records Diphtheria 44 Deaths, Extends School Resumption

Nigeria's Zamfara State has extended the resumption of all public and private schools by two weeks due to a diphtheria outbreak, according to a statement from the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam. This decision aims to protect the health and wellbeing of pupils, students, teachers, and the wider school community by providing additional time for strengthening disease surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination verification, public sensitisation, and other preventive measures.

The extension will also allow schools to thoroughly clean and decontaminate their premises and ensure adequate hand-washing facilities. Parents and guardians are urged to cooperate with health authorities on vaccination, screening, and other recommended preventive measures.

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