By Jabiru Hassan
The Bichi Local Government Council has urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive routine immunization and to immediately seek medical care if they show symptoms of diphtheria.
The Head of Health Department in Bichi, Kabiru Abubakar Gwarzo, gave the advice while providing updates on the outbreak of the disease, which has been recorded in parts of the state, including Bichi.
He explained that health personnel were swiftly deployed to affected areas to administer treatment and vaccines while also documenting cases of infection. Gwarzo stressed the need for public cooperation to contain the disease effectively.
“This outbreak in our communities is a serious concern. The key message is for parents and guardians to bring their children to health facilities for routine vaccinations, as these are vital in protecting them from preventable diseases,” he said.
He added that the Chairman of Bichi LGA, Alhaji Hamza Sule Mai Fata, has pledged full support to improve healthcare delivery and safeguard the well-being of residents.
Meanwhile, some families have been directly affected by the outbreak. Malam Habibu Da’u, a grandfather who lost several grandchildren, recounted the tragedy. “All the children fell ill around the same time and were taken to the hospital. First, Hassan died, followed by Firdausi, then Usaina. The fourth was Usaini, and the fifth, who passed away three days ago, was also named Hassan,” he narrated.
A delegation from the Bichi Local Government Council, led by the Council Secretary and accompanied by heads of departments, councillors, and other officials, visited the bereaved family to offer condolences.
