The Gombe State Government has commenced an emergency vaccination campaign following a diphtheria outbreak that has recorded about 332 cases across four local government areas.
The affected areas are Akko, Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye, with schools expected to play a central role in the state’s efforts to contain the spread.
The Gombe State Ministry of Education issued a directive to principals across the state, urging them to cooperate with health officials and facilitate the vaccination of eligible students during the exercise.
The first phase of the immunisation programme is scheduled to run from Sunday, September 20, to Thursday, September 24, 2026. According to the ministry, the second dose will be administered 14 days after the first, while the final dose will follow seven days later.
In a statement signed by the Director of Schools Services, the ministry directed principals to inform students, parents, Parent-Teacher Associations and School-Based Management Committees about the vaccination exercise.
School authorities were also instructed to provide authorised health and immunisation personnel with access to students for the administration of vaccines.
The ministry urged school administrators and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with health officials, stressing that preventive measures and public participation would be important in limiting further transmission of the disease.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the upper respiratory tract but can also affect the skin and may spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact with an infected individual.
Common symptoms include sore throat, fever and cough, while severe infections can result in serious complications if not promptly treated.
With cases reported in four local government areas, schools and surrounding communities have become important points of intervention for the state’s response. Authorities are relying on vaccination, public awareness and cooperation from school communities to reduce the risk of further spread.
The Ministry of Education also advised principals requiring additional information or clarification on the exercise to contact the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in Gombe State.
