Nigeria’s Diphtheria Crisis: An Urgent Call for Action from Authorities

Diphtheria has claimed 1,269 lives in Nigeria since 2022, with 24,804 confirmed cases reported. An outbreak in Lagos resulted in the death of a 12-year-old student, emphasizing failures in vaccination and disease response. Experts urge immediate action including vaccination drives and public awareness campaigns to mitigate this health crisis.

Nigeria is facing a grave health crisis as diphtheria has reportedly killed 1,269 individuals across 18 states since 2022, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirming 24,804 cases as of January 26, 2025. This alarming death toll highlights deficiencies in the nation’s public health response, which has been notably slow despite the escalating situation.

Recently, a tragic incident at King’s College, Lagos, underscored the urgent need for action when a 12-year-old student succumbed to diphtheria after developing symptoms on February 22, 2025. Despite receiving antibiotics and antitoxin treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), he died on March 6, 2025, from complications, including myocarditis. Following his death, 34 close contacts were identified, with 14 showing symptoms requiring hospitalization.

Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the nose and throat, leading to severe health complications. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, making schools and crowded places particularly vulnerable to outbreaks. Symptoms include severe sore throat, fever, swollen neck, difficulty breathing, and grayish-white patches in the throat.

Despite being preventable through vaccinations, Nigeria has seen a troubling number of diphtheria cases. Experts attribute this to three main factors: insufficient vaccination coverage, slow disease surveillance, and a lack of public awareness about the disease and its prevention. Many children are not receiving the essential DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, leaving them unprotected.

The recent outbreak is a critical indicator for government authorities to take immediate and robust action. Suggested measures include nationwide vaccination drives targeting high-risk regions, enhanced disease surveillance for rapid identification and response to new cases, and increased public health education through schools and media to raise awareness about diphtheria symptoms and vaccination importance.

In addition to government efforts, individual responsibility is paramount. Families must ensure their children are vaccinated, practice proper hygiene, and seek immediate medical assistance if symptoms arise. Nigeria cannot disregard diphtheria as just another health issue; it is preventable, and the loss of lives in 2025 is unacceptable. The King’s College tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgency for decisive governmental action.

In summary, Nigeria is grappling with a severe diphtheria crisis, with a significant number of deaths highlighting the failures in vaccination coverage, disease surveillance, and public awareness. Swift action by governmental authorities, alongside individual responsibility, is essential to combat this preventable disease. The pressing question remains whether the authorities, prompted by recent events, will take the necessary measures to safeguard public health and prevent further loss of life.

Original Source: allafrica.com