Zamfara launches house-to-house diphtheria response campaign

The Zamfara State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has launched a house-to-house diphtheria outbreak response campaign in the Gusau Local Government Area.

The initiative focuses on active case searches within communities to improve early detection, prevent further transmission, and ensure prompt medical referrals. Health teams are also providing education to residents regarding the signs and symptoms of diphtheria and the necessity of seeking immediate medical attention.

Suspected cases are being referred to designated facilities, including the Infectious Diseases Centre (IDC) in Damba and Primary Health Care (PHC) Kwata. Patients and caregivers at these centers are receiving free healthcare, which includes food and ongoing management. The intervention also aims to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, enhance local health worker capacity, and improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities at treatment centers.