Diphtheria Outbreak in Nigeria: Over 1,300 Lives Lost Amidst Vaccination Gaps

The NCDC reported 1,319 deaths due to diphtheria in Nigeria, highlighting major issues like low vaccination coverage and inadequate testing capacity. Kano State is severely affected, and experts call for urgent vaccination campaigns and better disease management to tackle the outbreak, which may worsen without timely action.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that the ongoing diphtheria outbreak has resulted in 1,319 fatalities. This information was disclosed in their recent situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre, published on Sunday. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, mainly affects the throat and nose, producing a toxin that may lead to severe complications such as respiratory failure and nerve damage.

Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against diphtheria, while early intervention using antitoxins and antibiotics is essential for disease management. The NCDC has indicated that over 42,000 suspected cases have been reported across 37 states since 2022, highlighting persistent issues including low vaccination rates and inadequate laboratory resources.

Kano State is noted to have the most significant burden, accounting for 75 percent of confirmed cases, with a total of 18,108 out of 25,812. Other states with a high incidence of cases are Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,408), and Katsina (1,501). The case fatality rate currently stands at 5.1%, signaling that one in every 20 confirmed cases results in a death. Some locations, such as Kaduna and Plateau, report even higher mortality rates.

In the latest reporting week, 23 new suspected cases were identified, primarily in Lagos and Katsina. None have been confirmed, and there are significant delays in laboratory confirmations which have left 56.5 percent of cases unclassified. The federal government is responding with reactive vaccination initiatives in high-burden areas, alongside community engagement efforts.

Public health experts warn that delays in diagnosis and inadequate access to treatment may heighten mortality rates. Despite the government’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), only 4,981 (19.3 percent) of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated against diphtheria. Dr. Solomon Chollom stressed the urgent need for mass vaccination campaigns targeting children aged one to 14.

He further noted that, in 2024, diphtheria cases were confirmed predominantly through clinical symptoms rather than laboratory tests due to reagent shortages and insufficient testing facilities. The government has pledged to enhance laboratory capabilities and expedite PCR testing protocols, though progress remains slow.

Experts advocate for a national diphtheria vaccination initiative, improved surveillance, and a reliable supply of diagnostic materials. Without enhanced efforts regarding vaccination and surveillance, the current diphtheria outbreak—one of the worst in decades—may worsen. Proposed actions by the government include boosting case management support, improving laboratory diagnostics, and expanding vaccination efforts, particularly for children, alongside strengthening public awareness programs via social media and community outreach. Public health officials emphasize that preventive vaccination remains the best defense against this outbreak, urging parents to ensure their children are adequately immunized.

The NCDC’s report on Nigeria’s diphtheria outbreak underscores the alarming statistics of over 1,300 deaths and the urgent need for improved vaccination rates. With challenges such as low immunization coverage, particularly in northern states, and high mortality rates, experts are advocating for mass vaccination campaigns and enhanced laboratory capacity. Without immediate action, the outbreak may escalate further. Comprehensive public health strategies, including increased vaccination and improved disease surveillance, are essential for combating this public health crisis.

Original Source: dailynigerian.com