Nigeria Faces Health Crisis with Over 1,300 Diphtheria Deaths Amid Vaccination Gaps
Nigeria’s diphtheria outbreak has led to 1,319 deaths. The NCDC highlights ongoing vaccination gaps, with only 19.3% of confirmed cases fully vaccinated. Increasing case management and public health campaigns are critical as experts call for urgent vaccinations, particularly for children.
Nigeria has reported 1,319 deaths related to the ongoing diphtheria outbreak, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). This alarming situation was detailed in the latest report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), emphasizing the severe bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The disease notably affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, leading to grave complications including breathing difficulties and potential heart failure.
Since 2022, over 42,000 suspected cases have been identified across 37 states, with Kano State accounting for 75% of confirmed cases (18,108 out of 25,812). Other states significantly impacted include Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina. The NCDC reported a case fatality rate of 5.1%, indicating a concerning statistic where one in every 20 confirmed cases leads to death, with rates soaring even higher in states like Kaduna and Lagos.
As for the most recent updates, 23 new suspected cases were reported, though none have been confirmed yet. Notably, over half of the cases remain unclassified due to slow laboratory confirmation processes. To combat this outbreak, the Federal Government has initiated reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden states and increased collaboration with local leaders to enhance community engagement.
Dr. Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, pointed out critical vaccination coverage gaps, especially in northern Nigeria, noting that only 19.3% of confirmed cases had received appropriate vaccinations. Furthermore, he warned against Nigeria’s limited testing capabilities, stating that previous cases relied on clinical symptoms rather than laboratory confirmations, raising significant concerns about underreported cases.
The government has committed to enhancing laboratory capacities and improving testing protocols, yet the progress has been slow. Public health experts have called for a comprehensive vaccination initiative, better disease surveillance, and a reliable supply of testing materials to address this outbreak. They also stressed that preventive vaccination remains paramount, urging parents to ensure their children are routinely vaccinated as a primary defense against diphtheria.
The diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria underscores a critical public health challenge exacerbated by low vaccination rates and limited diagnostic capacities. With over 1,300 deaths and thousands of suspected cases reported, urgent measures are required. Comprehensive vaccination campaigns and improved disease surveillance are vital to control the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations, especially children. Without prompt action, the situation is poised to deteriorate further, necessitating immediate governmental and public health intervention.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
