The Katsina State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), has stepped up efforts to tackle diphtheria and malnutrition across the state as concerns grow over the health and wellbeing of women and children.
The renewed commitment was highlighted on Tuesday during a media dialogue organised by the State Primary Health Care Agency (SPHCA) in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners in Katsina.
The event, themed “Media Dialogue on the Promotion of Nutrition Behaviours and Sensitisation on Diphtheria Outbreak,” brought together journalists and health experts to strengthen public awareness on proper nutrition, routine immunisation and disease prevention.
Speaking at the forum, the Acting Executive Secretary of SPHCA, Dr. Shaima’u Kabir Abba, stressed the importance of adequate nutrition in promoting healthy growth and improving the overall wellbeing of women and children.
Represented by the State Health Educator, Dr. Mukhtar Mahmud, she noted that proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life—from pregnancy until a child's second birthday plays a crucial role in physical and cognitive development.
According to her, the period is considered one of the most critical stages in a child's life and requires special attention from families and healthcare providers.
Abba identified insecurity in parts of Katsina State as one of the major factors contributing to malnutrition among vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and called for sustained efforts to address the challenge.
She explained that the media dialogue was organised to deepen public understanding of healthy nutrition practices and encourage behavioural changes that can improve health outcomes across communities.
“Given the high burden of malnutrition in Nigeria, UNICEF, in partnership with the State Primary Health Care Agency, is working to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition in Katsina State,” she said.
She added that many of the causes of malnutrition are linked to social and behavioural practices, making community education and awareness essential components of the intervention.
“Many of the factors responsible for malnutrition are linked to social and behavioural practices. Therefore, UNICEF and the state government introduced this intervention to promote positive nutrition behaviours and encourage healthier practices within communities,” she added.
Also speaking, the Assistant Executive Secretary of SPHCA, Dr. Lawal Aminu-Danja, urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive all routine vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.
He described diphtheria as a dangerous but vaccine-preventable disease, noting that complete and timely immunisation remains one of the most effective ways to protect children from infection.
Aminu-Danja explained that diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that primarily affects the respiratory system and may cause symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen neck, difficulty swallowing and breathing complications.
He warned that failure to vaccinate children could expose them to serious health risks and urged families to take advantage of available immunisation services.
The health official also appealed to journalists to use their platforms to support government and development partners in educating communities about routine immunisation, balanced nutrition and other preventive healthcare measures.
According to him, the media has a vital role to play in combating misinformation, promoting healthy behaviours and supporting efforts aimed at reducing disease outbreaks and malnutrition across the state.
The dialogue forms part of ongoing efforts by the Katsina State Government and UNICEF to improve maternal and child health, strengthen community awareness and build a healthier future for residents across the state.
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