The Maden Healthcare Foundation (MHF) has raised concerns over the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, warning of the continued risk of deaths, particularly among children.

In a statement issued on Monday, the foundation expressed sympathy to families who have lost loved ones and commended health workers and government agencies responding to the outbreak.

According to the foundation, data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) indicate that Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara account for about 98 per cent of confirmed diphtheria cases nationwide.

It, however, cautioned that other states remain vulnerable and urged sustained surveillance, vaccination and coordinated public health measures.

MHF also acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government, NCDC, National Primary Health Care Development Agency and state health authorities to improve disease surveillance, immunisation, laboratory testing and access to treatment.

The foundation noted Plateau State’s temporary closure of public and private primary and secondary schools from September 7 following suspected cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase Local Government Areas.

While acknowledging the disruption caused by school closures, MHF said such measures should be based on public health evidence, clearly communicated and reviewed as circumstances change.

The foundation called on parents to ensure children receive all recommended vaccinations and urged anyone showing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a greyish membrane in the throat to seek immediate medical attention.

It also appealed to authorities to improve access to vaccines, diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotics, laboratory services and trained health personnel, particularly in underserved communities.

MHF further advised Nigerians to rely on verified information from health authorities and avoid spreading rumours about the outbreak.

The foundation stressed that diphtheria is a serious but vaccine-preventable disease, adding that sustained investment in routine immunisation, primary healthcare, school health systems and community awareness is essential to protecting lives.