Eleven people last week died from diphtheria outbreak in Chanchaga and Katcha local government areas of Niger State, health authorities confirmed weekend.

The recent deaths have brought to 17 the total lives lost to the disease since January, with 124 confirmed cases and 84 patients treated and discharged.

Some of the 17 cases were recorded in Bida and Agaie local government areas, while surveillance has been stepped up in Suleja area.

Confirming the fatalities during an interview, Executive Director, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Junaidu Inuwa, blamed them on refusal by parents and guardians to vaccinate children.

“Most parents are not immunising their children, and the community structure needs to do a lot for us. I am sure most of you are aware that recently we had an outbreak of some diseases in Chanchaga and Katcha LGAs. There were 10 cases, and all of them died. We even lost another patient on Tuesday at the General Hospital, Minna,” he said.

Inuwa appealed to World Development Committees to prioritise early child education and encourage women and mothers to bring their children for immunisation. (The Nation)