Stories shaping today's conversations.

The diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State, Nigeria, has worsened, with the reported death toll rising to 27 and the number of suspected cases climbing to 303, according to the state's epidemiologist, Dr Maren Damulak. The figures represent a sharp increase from 23 deaths and 149 suspected cases previously reported. Jos North accounts for 99% of suspected cases Health authorities said approximately 99% of the suspected cases are concentrated in Jos North Local Government Area, with Rikkos community identified as one of the worst-affected areas. Children make up a significant proportion of those affected, while officials said many of the suspected patients had not received diphtheria vaccination. Schools remain closed The Plateau State Government has temporarily closed all public and private primary and secondary schools as part of efforts to slow transmission. The closure followed reports of suspected cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase local government areas. Authorities say the measure is intended to protect students and school staff while surveillance and other response activities are intensified. Authorities intensify response Patients are receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau State Specialist Hospital, where isolation facilities have been provided. The Jos North Local Government Council has also deployed additional logistics to support contact tracing, field surveillance and community mobilisation. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed the mobilisation of medicines and other medical supplies to affected health facilities. Why diphtheria is dangerous Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. It can become life-threatening when treatment is delayed, but it is vaccine-preventable. Health authorities are therefore urging residents to seek medical attention promptly when symptoms develop and to ensure children receive recommended vaccinations. Current situation Indicator Latest figure Suspected cases 303 Reported deaths 27 Previous suspected cases 149 Previous deaths 23 Most affected LGA Jos North Concentration in Jos North 99% Particularly affected community Sources: Premium Times, Punch, Anadolu Agency and The Guardian.

Nigeria is increasingly attracting Nigerians in the diaspora, other Africans and international intended parents seeking fertility treatment, with IVF and surrogacy services gaining greater attention across the country. A report by THISDAY indicates that factors including comparatively lower treatment costs, shorter waiting periods and cultural familiarity are encouraging some prospective parents to consider undergoing fertility procedures in Nigeria rather than travelling to countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Dubai and India. According to the report, Nigeria now has more than 80 registered IVF centres, with some facilities equipped with advanced reproductive technologies, including time-lapse incubators, embryo vitrification and preimplantation genetic testing laboratories. THISDAY reported that an IVF cycle in Nigeria could cost between ₦4.5 million and ₦6.5 million, compared with significantly higher costs in the United States. The report also noted that patients may be able to commence treatment more quickly in Nigerian cities including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt. The growing interest extends beyond IVF to gestational surrogacy, in which an embryo created through IVF is transferred to a surrogate who carries the pregnancy for the intended parents. Making Families Surrogacy Limited, a Nigerian fertility support and surrogacy agency cited by THISDAY, said it had recorded increased enquiries from Nigerians abroad and international clients in 2026. The organisation attributed the interest to shorter treatment timelines, lower costs and greater cultural familiarity. However, the growth of Nigeria's fertility and surrogacy sector comes amid calls for stronger regulation. Channels Television reported in June that Nigeria does not yet have a comprehensive legal framework specifically governing surrogacy, raising concerns about contractual disputes, parental rights and the potential exploitation of vulnerable women. Lawmakers and stakeholders have been discussing legislation aimed at providing clearer rules for the sector. A recent report by Nordica Fertility Centre also highlighted legal uncertainty surrounding surrogacy arrangements, including questions relating to birth registration, legal parentage and disagreements that could arise during pregnancy. Despite these challenges, the expansion of fertility services is gradually positioning Nigeria as an increasingly important option for people seeking assisted reproductive care. The trend could strengthen Nigeria's medical-tourism sector if improvements in clinical standards are accompanied by effective regulation, ethical safeguards, transparent pricing and adequate protection for intended parents, surrogates and children. Source: THISDAY — September 3, 2026. Editorial note: Claims regarding treatment costs, success rates, the number of IVF centres and international demand are attributed to the sources cited and should not be interpreted as independently verified by FACTFUL24.