“How I Lost My Daughter To Diphtheria” — Father

Nigeria Daily

Nigeria Daily
“How I Lost My Daughter To Diphtheria” — Father
Sep 02, 2026
Luqman Awwal Agono


Diphtheria continues to pose a threat to children across Nigeria, with the country recording more than 10,000 confirmed cases in 2026.

Behind the figures are families who have lost loved ones to a disease that can be prevented through vaccination.

Today on Nigeria Daily, we hear from Shafiyu Abdullahi, a father in Plateau State who lost his daughter, Hauwa Shafiyu, to diphtheria in just one week.

We also get an update on the situation in Kano and speak with a medical expert about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of the disease.