Nigeria has registered over 10,000 confirmed cases of diphtheria in 2026, primarily affecting unvaccinated children aged 1 to 14 years. Eight northern states (Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara) concentrate 98% of the cases. The Academy of Medical Sciences warns of national spread due to human mobility and low immunity in certain areas. The importance of vaccination, timely clinical care, and infection prevention is emphasized to contain the outbreak. Benue State has strengthened its surveillance, although it has not yet reported cases.
