Diphtheria outbreak: Katsina teaching hospital struggles with overcrowding

The Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Katsina, is struggling to cope with a surge in suspected and confirmed diphtheria cases as the ongoing outbreak continues to affect children across the state.

The hospital management, in a statement on Saturday, said the steady arrival of patients referred from health facilities across Katsina had overwhelmed available bed spaces, particularly in the children’s ward.

The increasing number of critically ill children requiring urgent care has placed considerable pressure on medical personnel and other hospital resources.

Despite the situation, the management said it was taking steps to accommodate and treat the growing number of 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,” it said.

The hospital commended its medical and support staff for their resilience and commitment to providing lifesaving care to children despite the difficult conditions created by the outbreak.

It also called for stronger coordination among hospitals, government agencies and other stakeholders involved in the emergency response.

“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 management said.

The hospital did not disclose the number of patients currently receiving treatment or the total number of confirmed diphtheria cases recorded in the state.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency is expected to provide an update on the outbreak at a press briefing scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026.

The briefing will hold at the agency’s Primary Healthcare Coordination Centre, where health authorities are expected to provide details on the spread of the disease and measures being taken to contain it.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause serious illness and death, particularly among unvaccinated children.