Kano’s diphtheria crisis: The resilience of a dangerous enemy

By Ahmad Deedat, RN.

“You don’t expect to hit the jackpot if you don’t put a few nickels in the machine” ~ Flip Wilson.

Courage is the strongest virtue second to honor. I don’t strike as the sought that enjoys being a spectator, as such, caution is of little use to me.

Following my previous articles on Kano’s diphtheria a couple of weeks ago, it’s essential to applaud the Hospitals Management Board.

However, diphtheria is an ongoing deadly threat that has stretched to near a status-quo — extending beyond its epidemic proportions.

Nonetheless, the State’s ministry of health through the Hospitals Management Board has met partially, the needs of the diphtheria treatment center – provision of free drugs, alone. Yet to be addressed, among others are: Declined manpower and payment of incentives.

In response to my previous article, the authority endeavored to, in the twilight of August, 2024, hosted a meeting of all the stakeholders involved in the management of diphtheria in Kano.

The meeting was concluded as the panel gathered on, among other things: Immediate release of drugs to the center, expansive discourse on payment of allowances, feeding of patients, decentralization of the treatment center, immediate re-engagement and deployment of all staff that have the experience in diphtheria management; those that worked in the center when NGOs were holding the helm.

Only the provision of drugs and partially, the decentralization were successfully implemented, however the staff to administer the drugs are further depleted by each day that passes.

You would recall that, in my previous article, I mentioned how the mortality rate inclined in just one month; more than 50 died in August alone.Some argued: over 100 patients were confirmed dead. September has followed in the foot steps of August. Certainly, diphtheria treatment center is in a dizzy. Almost tipsy! Without proper intervention, diphtheria will not bid farewell.

The rate of proliferation of the disease is becoming far-reaching. The number of patients are increasing daily. It has traversed to the neighboring states. Kano houses the highest number of confirmed cases.

Notwithstanding, the staff working in the center who primarily work with the HMB in other facilities have given an ultimatum: the promised staff should be re-engaged and deployed from 1st September, 2024, and August incentives must be paid. Failure to which, they pledged to withdraw their services on September, 4th. This was channeled through the Chief Medical Director of the facility, Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), perhaps the CMD has given his best, or rather less patriot!

The staff have to withdraw their services. Since 4th September, the center has been devoid of experienced professionals (those trained to manage diphtheria). Barely 3 experienced medical officers and 1 experienced nurse stayed on account of them being working primarily in IDH and isolation center.

The HMB is yet to have a discussion with the staff that withdrew nor meet their demands, perhaps the CMD is yet to do the needful.

Let me state upfront that we feel betrayed by the actions of the hospital head; the CMD and the Hospitals Management Board. We’ve given all our mortal virtues in the management of diphtheria; demonstrating an extreme degree of tolerance and patience; unusual hardwork and dedication without a thought of been rewarded, yet our efforts are at the brink of disappearing into the unknown; we’re not accorded the appreciations that we deserve. Hence, accorded the fame of the ‘unsung hero’. Alas!

It’s my ultimate prayer, now and always that, through my writings, diphtheria would bid farewell.

Deedat is a Registered Nurse!
Writes from Kano, Nigeria.
Thursday, 12 September, 2024.