Nigeria has seen a significant outbreak of diphtheria, with a staggering 7,202 cases and 453 tragic deaths reported across 105 Local Councils in 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A joint statement issued by key authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), among others, has shed light on the situation.
This outbreak has been attributed to a historical gap in vaccination coverage, leaving a vulnerable population in its wake. Alarming statistics indicate that only 42 percent of children under 15 years of age in Nigeria were fully protected against this highly contagious ailment.
The statement emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective defense against diphtheria, with Pentavalent or TD vaccines being recommended. The government is committed to providing free, safe, and effective vaccines at all primary healthcare centers across the nation.
Kano State has been particularly hard-hit, reporting 6,185 cases, followed by Yobe with 640 cases, Katsina with 213, and Borno with 95. Other affected states include Kaduna (16), Jigawa (14), Bauchi (eight), Lagos (eight), and FCT (five). Gombe, Osun, Sokoto, and Niger states have also reported cases, with Cross River, Enugu, Imo, Nasarawa, and Zamfara each recording one case.
The data reveals that a significant 73.6 percent of confirmed cases, totaling 5,299, are among children aged one to 14 years, with the age group of five to 14 years bearing the brunt of the outbreak's impact.
The Honourable Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has taken decisive action by establishing a national emergency task team. This task force, co-chaired by the Executive Director of the NPHCDA and the Director General of the NCDC, aims to coordinate outbreak response efforts at a higher level. Its mission includes fostering optimal collaboration among all relevant health stakeholders in the battle against diphtheria. Notable members of the task force include representatives from the Federal Ministry of Information, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, USCDC, USAID, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and various non-governmental organizations and development partners.
As Nigeria confronts this diphtheria outbreak, the nation's health authorities and partners are working tirelessly to stem the spread of the disease through comprehensive vaccination campaigns and enhanced coordination among stakeholders. The collective efforts of these organizations will play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigeria's population, particularly its vulnerable children
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