Niger increases surveillance following new polio and diphtheria cases

The Niger State Government has stepped up disease surveillance and community sensitisation after three new polio cases were identified in Mariga and Magama Local Government Areas.

Health authorities also reported diphtheria cases in Bida, Chanchaga and Suleja LGAs, prompting a reinforcement of preventive measures to curb potential outbreaks.

To address the situation, the Ministry of Health, together with UNICEF and the United States Government, organised town‑hall meetings for more than 350 traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders in the affected areas.

During the engagement, State Immunisation Officer Abubakar Kpantu highlighted that the reappearance of polio after years of no reported cases demands heightened focus on routine immunisation and disease prevention.

“For years, we had not recorded any case of polio, but recently three cases were detected in Mariga and Magama LGAs, while diphtheria cases have been reported in Suleja, Bida and Chanchaga,” he said.

Kpantu added that health officials are also monitoring the risk of cholera and other communicable diseases during the rainy season.

He explained that the town‑hall meetings were organised to raise public awareness and strengthen community responses to diseases such as cholera, meningitis, measles, diphtheria and Mpox.

The meetings took place in Bida, Bosso, Chanchaga, Gbako, Gurara, Kontagora and Suleja LGAs.

In his presentation, UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change State Facilitator Adamu Mamba urged community leaders to promote early reporting of suspected cases and to support vaccination campaigns.

He noted that traditional and religious leaders play a crucial role in disseminating accurate health information and mobilising residents during public health emergencies.

Mamba also called on participants to back disease‑prevention efforts and to encourage healthy practices within their communities.