Diphtheria Outbreak: Plateau Deploys Massive Medical Supplies as Death Toll Hits 23, Schools Shut

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has directed the immediate mobilisation of drugs and other medical commodities to health facilities managing patients affected by the suspected diphtheria outbreak ravaging communities across the state. The intervention, already operational at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH), is being extended to other affected health centres as the government races to contain the highly infectious disease.

The Director-General of the Plateau State Drug and Medical Commodity Management Agency (PSDMA), Pharmacist Kim Jerry Bot, disclosed the development on Monday, revealing that the government had acted swiftly following reports of the outbreak. "Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed, and we have acted accordingly. Our workaholic Honourable Commissioner, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, has provided the requisite leadership," Bot stated. He further disclosed that "medications and commodities have been duly mobilised to JUTH and PSSH, while we are already working on the other centres". Bot commended the Governor for what he described as his empathy and prompt intervention in addressing the health emergency.

The development comes as no fewer than 23 persons have reportedly died following the suspected outbreak, with health authorities recording 143 suspected cases in the last two weeks. The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, had earlier disclosed that the government had intensified efforts to contain the spread of the disease, revealing that nine patients were currently receiving treatment in isolation at JUTH and PSSH. According to Baamlong, the state began recording children with symptoms suggestive of diphtheria in early August, particularly in densely populated communities in Jos North Local Government Area. He identified mild fever, sore throat, cough, difficulty in swallowing, weakness and the presence of a plaque at the back of the throat as some of the symptoms of the disease.

The Commissioner expressed concern over the unavailability of diphtheria antitoxin in the country, noting that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Federal Government were working to procure the treatment. He also attributed some of the deaths to late presentation at health facilities and advised parents and caregivers to seek prompt medical attention when children develop symptoms. Baamlong urged parents to ensure their children received and completed routine immunisation, noting that some of the affected children had either not been vaccinated or had incomplete vaccination. The government has since intensified sensitisation and vaccination campaigns in affected communities and is engaging traditional, religious and community leaders to encourage immunisation among residents.

There is growing concern as parents prepare to send their children back to classrooms, with questions mounting over vaccination coverage, disease surveillance and the preparedness of schools and health authorities to prevent the spread of the deadly infection among pupils and students. Against this background, the State Government has directed the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the State, effective Monday, 7 September 2026. A statement issued by the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, said the directive was taken to implement measures against the diphtheria infection outbreak in some parts of the State. "Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to close from Monday, 7 September 2026, and remain closed until further notice," the statement added, directing school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to comply fully with the directive.

The outbreak has hit hard across multiple local government areas, with deaths recorded in Wase, Jos South, Bassa and Jos North. Baamlong said consultations were ongoing with school authorities over concerns that reopening schools could increase contact among children and facilitate further spread of the disease. He called on residents to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and avoid overcrowding as part of measures to prevent further transmission.

The Plateau State Government had earlier alerted the NCDC and requested materials needed for the collection and transportation of samples for laboratory confirmation. According to the Commissioner, materials have since been received to enable health officials collect samples from suspected cases and send them for testing. The state also faces challenges in confirming suspected cases due to the unavailability of specialised containers required for collecting and transporting samples to laboratories for diagnosis.

As Plateau battles this public health emergency, the deployment of medical supplies and the closure of schools represent critical steps in containing the outbreak. However, the shortages of diphtheria antitoxin, diagnostic materials and the challenge of vaccine coverage underscore the need for sustained federal support and a comprehensive approach to immunisation that leaves no child unprotected. With 23 lives already lost and 143 suspected cases recorded, the time for half-measures has passed. The coming days will test the resilience of Plateau's health system and the effectiveness of the government's response to one of the most serious health crises to hit the state in recent memory.