By Gabriel Ameh
The Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board has announced renewed partnerships with international health organisations to curb the spread of diphtheria, malnutrition and other preventable diseases across the state.
Chairman of the Board, Dr. Rilwan Muhammad, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Bauchi on recent public health interventions and achievements recorded by the state.
According to Muhammad, Bauchi has received significant support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the treatment and vaccination of diphtheria following a surge in cases in some communities.
He explained that MSF initially established a Diphtheria Treatment Centre (DTC) at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) but later relocated the facility to the Bauchi Specialist Hospital due to limited space.
“Considering the increasing number of diphtheria admissions at ATBUTH, the state provided MSF with land at the Specialist Hospital where a new 40-bed DTC was established. Due to rising cases, the facility has now been expanded to 50 beds,” Muhammad said.
On the recently concluded diphtheria vaccination exercise in selected wards of Bauchi Local Government Area, the Chairman noted that MSF’s intervention led to a marked reduction in cases in previously identified hotspots.
“We have seen the impact of the vaccination after the first and second rounds conducted in December 2025 and January 2026. However, cases are still being reported in areas yet to be covered. Plans are already underway for a third round and expansion of the exercise to those locations,” he added.
Speaking on malnutrition, Muhammad expressed concern over the high rate of child stunting in the state, prompting the invitation of MSF to provide support. He revealed that the organisation has established a 350-bed malnutrition treatment centre in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, offering free medical care and feeding for affected children and their caregivers.
“At the peak of malnutrition cases, MSF often becomes overstretched as children are brought in from neighbouring states to access treatment at the centre,” he said.
Highlighting key achievements, Muhammad announced that Bauchi recorded 95 per cent coverage during the measles-rubella vaccination campaign conducted in October 2025. He attributed the success to early sensitisation, effective planning and strong community engagement.
He commended MSF for supporting diphtheria vaccination efforts in December 2025 and January 2026, adding that preparations were underway for a third round. The Chairman also acknowledged the contributions of UNICEF and Health Africa, and disclosed that Bauchi State would introduce the malaria vaccine later this year, following pilot programmes in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.
Muhammad further praised the media for playing a critical role in educating residents on the importance of vaccination and early treatment of childhood illnesses.
Meanwhile, MSF has repeatedly raised concerns since 2022 over rising malnutrition cases in northern Nigeria. In a related development, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) recently warned that thousands of people in Nigeria’s conflict-affected North-East are at risk of severe food shortages for the first time in nearly a decade, projecting that more than 13 million children could suffer from malnutrition in 2026.
