Writing By Aliyu Lawal ;Editing By Godwin Duru
Ten children have been dead following an outbreak of diphtheria disease in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to reports, all the children died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida, where they were receiving medical attention.
It was reliably learnt that the disease originated from Agaie Local Government Area and spread to Bida communities.
Investigation conducted by Radio Nigeria in Minna, revealed that shortage of drugs as well as lack of prompt treatment contributed to the death of the children.
A source from the area who pleaded anonymity hinted that children have been dying on a daily basis since the outbreak, but the incident has not been reported.
Cross section of people of Bida community have appealed to the State Government to urgently come to their aid by supplying drugs to General Hospital in Agaie as well as Umaru Sanda Ndayako Hospital Bida to control further spread of the disease.
“Our people are not safe, this is a matter of life and death, and timely intervention by relevant government agencies will not only curb the spread of diphtheria but restore confidence in our healthcare system,” the source emphasized
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana confirmed the development.
The Permanent Secretary however explained that the high death toll was as a result of some parents refusal to avail their children for vaccination in the affected areas, and expressed delight over the unwavering support of partners through the provision of drugs and among others.
He reassured the public that the situation has been brought under control.
ALIYU LAWAL
