The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Bagana, disclosed this over the weekend in Minna during an interactive session with newsmen.
According to him, three additional cases were recently recorded, while 74 patients have so far received treatment and been discharged from health facilities.
Bagana described diphtheria as a potentially deadly but vaccine-preventable disease, stressing that sustained routine immunisation remained one of the most effective ways of preventing outbreaks and reducing deaths.
Government Intensifies Vaccination Campaign
The commissioner said the state government had intensified efforts to increase vaccination coverage across communities, noting that two mass immunisation campaigns had already been conducted in 2026.
He added that the government was also engaging traditional and religious leaders as part of its communication strategy to address vaccine hesitancy and encourage residents to embrace routine immunisation.
Bagana emphasised that vaccines are available free of charge at public health facilities across the state, urging parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible children receive their vaccines.
He said improving vaccination coverage would not only protect individual children but also help reduce the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases within communities.
Niger Tackles Sanitation, Primary Healthcare Gaps
Beyond immunisation, the commissioner said the government was taking steps to improve access to clean water and primary healthcare services, particularly in communities facing challenges associated with open defecation and poor sanitation.
He noted that improved sanitation and access to basic healthcare remained important components of disease prevention and public health protection.
Bagana also announced measures to provide free treatment for victims of snakebites and accidents at state-owned hospitals, subject to specific conditions.
According to him, patients who present with such emergencies can access free treatment within the stipulated period if they provide their National Identification Number (NIN).
He clarified that the free treatment applies to victims who report to the designated state-owned hospitals within 48 hours of sustaining their injuries.
Free Delivery Services Available in Four LGAs
Meanwhile, Bagana urged residents to take pregnant women who are due for delivery to designated hospitals in Minna, Bida, Suleja and Kontagora, where they can access free delivery services under an intervention of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
He said eligible beneficiaries would need to present their NIN to access the service.
The commissioner encouraged residents to take advantage of the available healthcare interventions, stressing the importance of early access to medical care, vaccination and other preventive health services in reducing avoidable deaths and improving health outcomes across Niger State.