The Zamfara State Government has ordered the resumption of all academic activities in public and private schools, including Islamic and Qur’anic institutions, starting Monday, September 28, 2026, as the diphtheria outbreak shows signs of containment. The directive, issued by Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Abdulmalik Gajam, follows an advisory from the Ministry of Health confirming a decline in diphtheria cases. The statement emphasized the need for continued vigilance, urging schools to monitor students and staff for symptoms and report suspected cases promptly to health authorities. 'The health and safety of children remain a priority,' the ministry stated, stressing cooperation between schools, parents, and communities to maintain safe learning environments.
Schools are required to implement preventive measures such as daily health screenings, handwashing protocols, classroom ventilation, and reduced overcrowding. The directive also mandates collaboration with ongoing vaccination campaigns and intensified health education for students, teachers, and parents. Authorities urged families to keep unwell children at home and seek medical attention, with specific contact numbers provided for reporting suspected cases. The State Disease Notification Officer, Director of Public Health, and State Epidemiologist are available at 07062227171, 07039605038, and 08166664263, respectively, for outbreak-related inquiries.
The announcement comes amid reports of 367 confirmed diphtheria cases in Zamfara, with 320 recoveries, according to state health data. While the government has not disclosed the exact timeline of the outbreak's peak, the decision to reopen schools reflects a strategic balance between education continuity and public health safeguards. Officials emphasized that the resumption is contingent on sustained improvements in the epidemiological situation, with strict adherence to health protocols to prevent resurgence.
The directive underscores the state’s commitment to mitigating the impact of the outbreak on education, a critical sector for Zamfara’s development. By integrating health surveillance with academic operations, the government aims to protect students while ensuring minimal disruption to learning. Parents and school administrators are now tasked with upholding the outlined measures to sustain progress in controlling the disease.