The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concern over the continued spread of diphtheria, with more than 10,000 confirmed cases recorded across the country this year….
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concern over the continued spread of diphtheria, with more than 10,000 confirmed cases recorded across the country this year.
The Director-General of the agency said although the case fatality rate has declined considerably compared with the same period last year, diphtheria remains a major public health threat, particularly to unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children.
The NCDC said most confirmed cases were concentrated in Kano, Borno and Bauchi states, with low vaccination coverage identified as a major driver of the outbreak.
According to the agency, vaccine hesitancy, insecurity, displacement, population movement and hard-to-reach communities have continued to hinder efforts to reach vulnerable children.
The NCDC stressed that diphtheria is vaccine-preventable and called for stronger routine immunisation and targeted vaccination campaigns, particularly in affected and underserved communities.
Reactive vaccination is ongoing in affected areas, while essential treatment and laboratory commodities are being provided.
The agency urged state and local governments to identify communities with low vaccination coverage and ensure that children who missed routine doses are reached and fully vaccinated.
Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and report suspected cases, and ensure appropriate treatment and infection prevention measures.
Parents and caregivers were urged to ensure that children receive all recommended doses of the diphtheria vaccine.
The NCDC said the vaccines are safe, effective and available free of charge throug routine immunisation services and vaccination campaigns.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has recorded more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and about 195 local government areas this year.
Although cases have declined from the peak recorded earlier in the season, the NCDC warned that transmission remains ongoing, with flooding and contaminated water sources capable of triggering a fresh surge.
The agency called for sustained collaboration among governments, healthcare workers, communities and families to strengthen prevention, improve early detection and treatment, and bring both outbreaks under control.
