The Diphtheria Crisis in Nigeria: Urgent Action Required to Save Lives

Diphtheria has claimed 1,269 lives in Nigeria since 2022, with 24,804 confirmed cases reported. A recent incident involving a student from King’s College emphasizes the ongoing health crisis. Experts cite poor vaccination rates, weak disease surveillance, and lack of public awareness as significant contributors to the outbreak. Immediate action, including targeted vaccination campaigns, is urgently needed to prevent further deaths.

Nigeria is facing a significant health crisis due to diphtheria, which has resulted in 1,269 deaths across 18 states since 2022. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported a staggering 24,804 confirmed cases as of January 26, 2025. The slow response from authorities has highlighted existing weaknesses in the country’s public health infrastructure.

A recent tragic incident at King’s College in Lagos involved a 12-year-old student who succumbed to diphtheria after exhibiting symptoms on February 22, 2025. He was treated with antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin at Lagos University Teaching Hospital but developed myocarditis, leading to his death on March 6, 2025. Following his passing, 34 close contacts were identified, with 14 requiring hospitalization after developing symptoms.

Diphtheria, a highly contagious infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the throat and nose, leading to severe complications including airway obstruction and heart damage. Notable symptoms comprise severe sore throat, fever, swollen neck, difficulty breathing, and distinctive grayish-white patches in the throat. The disease can spread via respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces, especially in crowded settings like schools.

Despite being preventable through vaccination, diphtheria continues to inflict heavy casualties in Nigeria. Experts identify three critical factors exacerbating this crisis: poor vaccination coverage, weak disease surveillance, and inadequate public awareness concerning diphtheria and its symptoms.

In response to the current outbreak, immediate action is necessary. Proposed measures include aggressive vaccination campaigns focusing on high-risk areas, enhancing disease surveillance for timely detection of new cases, and elevating public health awareness through educational initiatives in schools and communities.

Individuals and families can also contribute by ensuring children receive routine vaccinations and pursuing good hygiene practices. Prompt medical attention should be sought when symptoms arise. Nigeria must treat diphtheria as a serious health threat, as its preventable nature means that future lives should not be at stake in 2025. The recent case at King’s College underscores the urgency of this situation. The pressing question remains: Will authorities take decisive steps to prevent further tragedies?

In conclusion, Nigeria is currently grappling with a critical diphtheria outbreak that has led to substantial loss of life. The situation demands immediate and concerted efforts from both government and individuals to enhance vaccination coverage, improve disease surveillance, and raise public awareness. By addressing these key failures, there is potential to curtail further infections and fatalities from this preventable disease. The plight of the victims serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency needed in addressing this public health crisis.

Original Source: allafrica.com