The NCDC reported over 1,300 deaths from diphtheria in Nigeria, reflecting severe vaccination gaps and healthcare challenges. About 75% of cases are in Kano State, with a case fatality rate of 5.1%. The government is initiating reactive vaccination campaigns and addressing diagnostic capacity issues amid rising cases.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports a concerning diphtheria outbreak in the country, with 1,319 deaths confirmed since the onset of the crisis. This information was disclosed in a recent situation report published via the NCDC’s official website. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily attacks the throat and nasal mucous membranes, leading to severe complications such as respiratory distress, cardiac issues, or nerve damage.
Preventive measures hinge on vaccination, while effective early treatment using antitoxins and antibiotics is essential for managing the disease. Since 2022, there have been over 42,000 suspected diphtheria cases reported across 37 states. The NCDC’s report highlighted ongoing challenges, including low vaccination rates, insufficient laboratory capabilities, and slow case confirmations. Approximately 75 percent of confirmed cases are reported from Kano State, with other affected regions including Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina.
The overall case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 5.1 percent, indicating a high risk of death among confirmed cases, with some states reporting even higher figures. Recent reports indicated 23 new suspected cases, primarily in Lagos and Katsina, though none have yet been confirmed. About 56.5 percent of cases remain unclassified owing to delays in laboratory confirmations. The Federal Government has reacted with vaccination campaigns targeting high-burden states, alongside community engagement initiatives.
Public health professionals express concerns that late diagnoses and limited access to treatment are exacerbating the mortality rates. Alarmingly, only 19.3 percent of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated against diphtheria. Medical virologist Dr. Solomon Chollom emphasized the critical need for mass vaccination programs, particularly for children aged one to 14, who represent a significant portion of cases.
Further compounding the issue is Nigeria’s inadequate testing capacity. In 2024, most cases were identified based solely on clinical symptoms, indicating a lack of necessary laboratory resources for accurate diagnoses. Calls for improved laboratory capabilities and protocols have been met with slow progress, raising concerns about the true extent of the outbreak.
Health officials advocate for a nationwide vaccination campaign alongside enhanced disease surveillance and a consistent supply of diagnostic tools. The situation demands immediate action to prevent further deterioration as Nigeria grapples with one of its most severe diphtheria outbreaks in decades. Measures proposed include bolstering case management and data coordination across states, enhancing laboratory diagnostic capabilities, and broadening vaccination efforts while fostering public awareness through various media outlets.
The ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, as noted by the NCDC, has resulted in over 1,300 deaths, highlighting critical gaps in vaccination coverage and healthcare capacity. Significant challenges persist, including limited laboratory resources and delayed case confirmations, which exacerbate the issue. Urgent action is required, particularly through mass vaccination campaigns targeting vulnerable populations and improving disease surveillance. As public health officials emphasize, preventive measures, particularly vaccination, remain paramount in mitigating this public health crisis.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
