•Diphtheria outbreak
The ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Katsina State has placed the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Katsina under intense pressure, with a sharp rise in suspected and confirmed cases pushing the hospital’s children’s ward beyond its capacity.
In a statement issued yesterday, the hospital management disclosed that the continuous influx of patients referred from health facilities across the state had resulted in severe overcrowding, leaving available bed spaces overstretched.
According to the statement, the outbreak has created an unprecedented burden on the hospital, particularly the children’s ward, where healthcare personnel are battling to cope with the increasing number of critically ill children requiring urgent medical attention.
Despite the mounting pressure, the management assured the public that the hospital remains committed to delivering timely and quality healthcare services to all affected patients.
“The hospital is making every possible arrangement to accommodate and manage the increasing number of patients, even in the absence of sufficient bed spaces,” the statement noted.
FTH Katsina praised the dedication and resilience of its healthcare workers, describing their efforts as crucial in ensuring that critically ill children continue to receive lifesaving treatment despite the challenging conditions.
The hospital also called for stronger collaboration among health institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders involved in the outbreak response, stressing that only a coordinated effort would help contain the disease and safeguard the lives of vulnerable children.
“FTH Katsina remains committed to supporting the response to the outbreak. A coordinated effort among all relevant health facilities and stakeholders is essential to effectively manage the situation and protect the lives of affected children,” the statement added.
While the hospital did not disclose the number of patients currently on admission or the total confirmed cases recorded in the state, the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency is expected to provide an update during a press briefing scheduled for today, Sunday, August 30, 2026, at its Primary Healthcare Coordination Centre.
Health authorities are expected to outline the current status of the outbreak and measures being implemented to curb its spread across Katsina State.
