A grieving father in Kano State has recounted the harrowing experience of losing four of his five daughters to diphtheria within a fortnight.
The incident, which occurred in the Hotoron Yan Dodo community of Tarauni Local Government Area, has plunged the family and wider community into deep mourning.
Speaking to our correspondent, the bereaved parent, Malam Yusuf Maitama, narrated how his children developed symptoms of fever, sore throat, nasal discharge, and a white membrane in the throat – the classic signs of diphtheria. Initially, the family did not suspect the disease.
The youngest child, a girl under five, was the first to fall ill. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she died the same day. Days later, her seven-year-old sister developed similar symptoms and died within two days of admission.
“That was the second child in one week. At first, people even suggested maybe it was spiritual. But doctors confirmed it was diphtheria. That’s when I realised the rest of my kids were at serious risk,” Yusuf said tearfully.
Two more of his daughters later succumbed to the disease, while the eldest survived after receiving urgent medical care.
Community members say the tragedy has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly families with young children. Health officials have since fumigated the home and administered vaccines to children in the neighbourhood.
This is not the first time diphtheria has devastated a single household in Kano. In 2024, three children from one family in Gaida, Kumbotso LGA, died of the infection within a week.
When contacted, Kano State Ministry of Health spokesperson, Nablusi Abubakar Kofar Naisa, confirmed that the most recent fatalities involved unvaccinated children.
“If you hear of a death, it’s likely the child was not vaccinated. That’s the main issue. We urge parents to take their children for free immunisation — it costs nothing,” he said.
Nablusi explained that the state government had designated a special hospital for diphtheria treatment, while other hospitals also provide testing, treatment, and vaccinations free of charge.
Despite these interventions, Kano remains one of the worst-hit states. In 2023, more than 10,000 children were infected, with nearly 1,000 deaths reported.
A July 2025 study by the National Library of Medicine revealed a diphtheria fatality rate of 4.5 per cent, with unvaccinated children more than twice as likely to die compared to those fully vaccinated.
Health experts have once again appealed to parents to ensure the timely immunisation of their children and to seek immediate medical care when symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or breathing difficulty appear.
