The Katsina State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has stepped up efforts to combat diphtheria and malnutrition through a renewed public awareness campaign aimed at improving child and maternal health across the state.

The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday during a media dialogue organised by the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) in Katsina. The event, themed “Media Dialogue on the Promotion of Nutrition Behaviours and Sensitisation on Diphtheria Outbreak,” brought together journalists and key stakeholders to strengthen public health advocacy and community awareness.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Executive Secretary of KSPHCDA, Dr Shaimau Abba, said the programme was designed to enhance public understanding of proper nutrition practices while also educating residents on measures to prevent and control the spread of diphtheria.

Represented by the State Health Educator, Dr Mukhtar Mahmud, Abba stressed that adequate and balanced nutrition remains a critical factor in improving the health and wellbeing of citizens, particularly women and children.

She explained that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception through the second birthday—are crucial for physical growth, brain development and long-term health outcomes.

According to her, poor nutrition during this period can have lasting consequences on a child’s development, making it essential for families to adopt healthy feeding practices and seek appropriate healthcare services.

Abba also expressed concern over the impact of insecurity in parts of the state, noting that displacement and limited access to food have contributed to rising cases of malnutrition among vulnerable groups.

She said the government and its development partners were committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and nutrition practices that would improve maternal and child health indicators across Katsina State.

In his remarks, the Assistant Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Lawal Aminu-Danja, urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive all routine vaccinations at the appropriate time.

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He described diphtheria as a highly dangerous but vaccine-preventable disease, stressing that complete immunisation remains the most effective protection against the infection.

“Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory system and can lead to severe complications if left untreated,” he said.

Aminu-Danja explained that common symptoms include swelling of the neck, sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing and breathing challenges.

He advised residents to seek immediate medical attention whenever such symptoms are observed, warning that delayed treatment could increase the risk of serious health complications.

The health official also called on media practitioners to play a more active role in educating communities on the importance of routine immunisation, proper nutrition and other preventive healthcare measures.

Participants at the dialogue emphasised the critical role of the media in shaping public attitudes and disseminating accurate health information, particularly as authorities continue efforts to contain diphtheria outbreaks and tackle malnutrition in affected communities.

The campaign forms part of broader efforts by the Katsina State Government and UNICEF to improve public health outcomes and protect children from preventable diseases across the state.