The Bauchi State Government has intensified collaboration with international health partners to contain the spread of diphtheria, tackle rising cases of malnutrition and strengthen routine immunisation across the state.
Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwan Muhammad, disclosed this while briefing journalists on recent public health interventions and outcomes recorded by the state.
He said Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has remained a key partner in supporting Bauchi’s response to diphtheria following a surge in reported cases. According to him, MSF initially operated a Diphtheria Treatment Centre at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital but later relocated due to space constraints caused by increasing admissions.
Muhammad explained that the state government subsequently provided land within the Specialist Hospital premises, enabling MSF to establish a new treatment centre which has expanded from an initial 40-bed capacity to 50 beds to meet growing demand.
He noted that diphtheria vaccination exercises conducted in parts of Bauchi Local Government Area in December 2025 and January 2026 led to a significant reduction in cases in affected communities. However, he said new infections are still being recorded in areas yet to benefit from the campaign.
“Plans are underway for a third round of vaccination, which will be extended to other locations where cases are still emerging,” he said.
On malnutrition, Muhammad described child stunting as a major public health concern in the state, prompting further collaboration with MSF. He disclosed that the organisation established a 350-bed malnutrition treatment centre in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, providing free medical care and nutritional support to affected children and their caregivers.
He added that the facility often records high patient inflows, particularly during peak periods, with families travelling from neighbouring states to access treatment.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Board Chairman announced that Bauchi recorded 95 per cent coverage during the measles-rubella vaccination campaign conducted in October 2025. He attributed the success to early planning, effective community sensitisation and sustained grassroots advocacy.
Muhammad also acknowledged the support of development partners, including UNICEF and E-Health Africa, and revealed that the state plans to introduce the malaria vaccine later this year, following pilot programmes in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.
He commended the media for its role in promoting public awareness on vaccination and early treatment of childhood illnesses, stressing that sustained public enlightenment remains critical to disease prevention.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have continued to warn of worsening malnutrition across northern Nigeria. MSF has raised concerns since 2022, while the United Nations World Food Programme recently cautioned that food insecurity in conflict-affected areas of the North-East could place millions of children at risk of malnutrition in 2026.
