Gavi, the Global Vaccine Alliance, has officially pledged its commitment to collaborating closely with the Federal Government of Nigeria in response to the diphtheria outbreak that has afflicted the nation. Gavi also commended the efforts of Ali Pate, the coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, for swiftly establishing an emergency task force dedicated to combatting the ongoing outbreak.
The organization stressed the paramount importance of the task force's establishment as a critical step toward a comprehensive and effective response. Gavi expressed its unwavering dedication to playing an integral role as a member of this task force.
Tokunbo Oshin, the Director of High Impact Countries at Gavi, conveyed in a press statement that the gravity of the outbreak demands swift and coordinated actions from partners who are ready to support the government's comprehensive response efforts. Oshin emphasized Gavi's active engagement in these response efforts and highlighted their contribution of 11.7 million doses of the highly effective pentavalent vaccine, which safeguards children against five life-threatening diseases, including diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Hib.
"We remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian government in partnership with all technical and resource partners to support its comprehensive response," Oshin stated.
He underscored the critical importance of vaccination as a preventive measure against this highly contagious disease, emphasizing that no child should be left at risk.
As of October 3, Nigeria has reported 13,204 suspected cases of diphtheria. Out of these suspected cases, 8,406 have been confirmed across 114 Local Government Areas spanning 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium species, affecting the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) noted that those most at risk of contracting diphtheria are children and adults who have not received any or only a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine, individuals living in crowded environments with poor sanitation, and healthcare workers exposed to suspected or confirmed cases of diphtheria.
Regarding transmission, the NCDC emphasized that the disease easily spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
Diphtheria presents symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and neck swelling. In severe cases, the NCDC warned that a thick gray or white patch can develop on the tonsils and/or at the back of the throat, causing difficulty in breathing.
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