‎Bauchi, partners intensify fight against diphtheria, malnutrition, records 95% measles-rubella vaccination coverage

‎The Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board has announced fresh partnerships with international organisations to tackle diphtheria, malnutrition and other disease cases across the state.
‎Chairman of the Board, Dr. Rilwan Muhammad, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Bauchi on recent healthcare interventions and achievements. Muhammad explained that the state is receiving strong support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the treatment and vaccination against diphtheria, following a surge in cases.
‎He noted that MSF initially established a Diphtheria Treatment Centre (DTC) at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) but later relocated to the Specialist Hospital due to space constraints.
‎“Looking at the increase in the number of patients being admitted at ATBUTH, we gave MSF a piece of land at the Specialist Hospital where they set up a new 40-bed DTC. It has now been expanded to 50 beds due to rising cases,” Muhammad said.
‎On the recently concluded diphtheria vaccination exercise in some wards of Bauchi Local Government Area, the Chairman said MSF’s support led to a remarkable reduction in cases from previously identified hotspots.
‎“We’ve seen the impact of the vaccination after the first and second rounds in December 2025 and January 2026. However, we are still recording cases from other locations where the exercise has not taken place. Plans are underway for a third round and extension to those areas,” he added.
‎Turning to malnutrition, Muhammad lamented the high prevalence of child stunting in Bauchi, stressing that MSF was invited to assist.
‎He revealed that the organisation established a 350-bed malnutrition treatment centre in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, where free medical care and feeding are provided for affected children and their relatives.
‎“At the peak of malnutrition, MSF becomes overstretched as children are brought from neighbouring states to access treatment at the facility,” he said. Highlighting achievements, Muhammad announced that Bauchi recorded 95 per cent coverage in the measles-rubella vaccination campaign conducted in October 2025, attributing the success to early sensitisation, proper planning and strong community advocacy.
‎He commended MSF for supporting diphtheria vaccination exercises in December 2025 and January 2026, noting that a third round would soon commence.
‎He also acknowledged the contributions of UNICEF and E-Health Africa and disclosed that Bauchi would introduce the malaria vaccine this year, following the pilot programmes in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.
‎Muhammad further praised the media for enlightening residents on the importance of vaccination and early treatment of childhood illnesses. Meanwhile, MSF has consistently raised concerns since 2022 over rising malnutrition cases in northern Nigeria.
‎In a related development, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) recently warned that thousands in Nigeria’s conflict-hit North-East face the risk of catastrophic food shortages for the first time in nearly a decade, projecting that over 13 million children may suffer malnutrition in 2026.