Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage

Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage

By: Michael Mike

Bauchi State Government has intensified collaboration with international health partners to curb the spread of diphtheria, address rising malnutrition cases and strengthen routine immunisation across the state.

The 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 continued to play a key role in supporting Bauchi’s response to diphtheria following an increase 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 pressure on space caused by rising admissions.

Muhammad explained that the state government provided land within the Specialist Hospital premises, where MSF established a new treatment centre that has grown from an initial 40-bed capacity to 50 beds to meet increasing demand.

He noted that diphtheria vaccination exercises conducted in parts of Bauchi Local Government Area in December 2025 and January 2026 significantly reduced cases in previously affected communities. However, he said infections are still being recorded in areas yet to benefit from the campaign.

“Plans are ongoing 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 challenge in the state, prompting the involvement of MSF. He revealed that the organisation established a 350-bed malnutrition treatment centre in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, offering free medical services and nutritional support to affected children and their caregivers.

He added that the facility often experiences high patient inflow, 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 carried out in October 2025. He attributed the success to early planning, community sensitisation and strong advocacy at the grassroots level.

Muhammad also acknowledged the contributions of development partners such as UNICEF and E-Health Africa, while disclosing 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 raising awareness about vaccination and early treatment of childhood illnesses, stressing that public enlightenment remains critical to disease prevention.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have continued to warn about worsening malnutrition in northern Nigeria. MSF has repeatedly raised concerns since 2022, while the United Nations World Food Programme recently cautioned that food insecurity in conflict-affected parts of the North-East could place millions of children at risk of malnutrition in 2026.

Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage