Nigeria’s Diphtheria Crisis: Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Further Deaths

Nigeria has reported 1,269 deaths and 24,804 confirmed diphtheria cases since 2022. The crisis is exacerbated by poor vaccination rates, weak disease surveillance, and low public awareness. A recent death of a 12-year-old student from diphtheria highlights the urgent need for government intervention and community education. Immediate actions must be taken to prevent further fatalities.

Nigeria is grappling with a serious health crisis due to diphtheria, which has resulted in 1,269 fatalities across 18 states since 2022. As of January 26, 2025, there have been 24,804 confirmed cases reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This alarming situation highlights significant deficiencies within Nigeria’s public health response system.

Tragically, a recent case involved a 12-year-old student from King’s College, Lagos, who succumbed to diphtheria after developing symptoms on February 22, 2025. He received antibiotics and a full dose of diphtheria antitoxin at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital but died on March 6, 2025, due to complications. Following his death, 14 out of 34 close contacts exhibited symptoms and required hospitalization.

This incident serves as a reminder of diphtheria’s persistent threat, exacerbated by weak vaccination coverage and inadequate disease surveillance mechanisms. Diphtheria, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, poses significant health risks, especially to children. Symptoms include severe sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and a characteristic swollen neck.

Diphtheria spreads easily through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, making tightly packed environments like schools susceptible to outbreaks. Despite vaccines being available, Nigeria continues to face a worrying death toll due to poor vaccination uptake, sluggish outbreak detection, and low public awareness of the disease.

Experts have identified three critical issues contributing to the crisis: insufficient vaccination rates leaving children unprotected, lack of prompt disease surveillance by health officials, and minimal public awareness surrounding diphtheria’s symptoms and the importance of vaccination.

To address this crisis, immediate action is required from government authorities. Key measures should include launching extensive vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas, improving disease surveillance for swift outbreak detection, and enhancing public health education through schools and media venues. Additionally, families should ensure that children receive routine vaccinations and understand the importance of hygiene practices.

Nigeria must prioritize taking robust action against diphtheria, especially given that it is a preventable illness. The recent case from King’s College underscores the pressing need for authorities to intervene proactively before further preventable tragedies occur. The question remains: will the government’s response be timely enough to save more lives?

In conclusion, Nigeria is facing a significant health crisis due to diphtheria, with thousands of cases and deaths reported. The King’s College incident illustrates the urgent need for immediate governmental action, including improved vaccination efforts, enhanced disease surveillance, and increased public awareness. It is critical for both authorities and communities to collaborate to prevent further loss of life from this preventable disease. The urgent question persists: will decisive actions be taken to avert a potential escalation of this health emergency?

Original Source: allafrica.com