A Diphtheria outbreak is sweeping across Nigeria, affecting 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Over 14,000 suspected cases have been reported with a death toll exceeding 600.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, made the revelation during the quarterly review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC).
Kano state is at the epicenter of the outbreak, with over 10,000 reported cases, contributing significantly to the devastating outbreak. Dr. Shuaib highlighted that 97 per cent of the cases are concentrated in Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Borno, Kaduna, and Bauchi.
He explained that this highly contagious bacterial infection has severely impacted communities, particularly affecting children aged one to 14 years, “73 per cent of the reported Diphtheria cases are in this young age group. Even more distressing is the fact that 80 per cent of those affected had not received any vaccinations.”
Diphtheria, he warned, is a disease that spreads through the air, much like COVID-19. “We can, however, mitigate its transmission through non-pharmaceutical measures such as wearing facemasks, practicing vigilant handwashing, and maintaining physical distance from affected individuals. But we must be cautious to avoid stigmatizing or discriminating against those afflicted.”
Dr. Shuaib emphasized the need for all stakeholders to intensify community mobilization, raise public awareness, and promote the acceptance of vaccination services. He underlined the significance of community education regarding routine vaccinations in the fight against Diphtheria.