NCDC Records Over 10,000 Diphtheria Cases, Warns Of Outbreak
NCDC Reports Over 10,000 Diphtheria Cases in Nigeria This Year
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarms regarding the ongoing diphtheria outbreak, which has resulted in more than 10,000 confirmed cases nationwide in 2023.
The Director-General of the NCDC indicated that the case fatality rate has significantly decreased compared to the previous year; however, diphtheria continues to pose a serious public health risk, particularly for children who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated.
According to the NCDC, the majority of confirmed cases are concentrated in Kano, Borno, and Bauchi states. Low vaccination rates have been identified as a key factor contributing to the outbreak.
The agency noted that several challenges, including vaccine hesitancy, insecurity, population displacement, and difficulties in reaching certain communities, have impeded efforts to immunize vulnerable children.
To combat the spread of diphtheria, the NCDC emphasized the importance of enhanced routine immunization and targeted vaccination campaigns, especially in areas significantly affected by the outbreak. Reactive vaccination initiatives are currently underway in these regions, along with the provision of essential treatment and laboratory supplies.
The agency urged state and local governments to identify communities with low vaccination levels and ensure that children who missed routine immunizations receive all necessary doses. Healthcare workers are encouraged to maintain vigilance in identifying and reporting suspected cases while implementing appropriate treatment and infection control measures.
Parents and caregivers were advised to make certain that their children receive all recommended doses of the diphtheria vaccine, which is safe, effective, and available at no charge through routine immunization services and vaccination campaigns.
In addition to the diphtheria outbreak, Nigeria has reported over 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and approximately 195 local government areas in 2023. While cholera cases have decreased from earlier peak levels, the NCDC cautioned that transmission persists, with flooding and contaminated water sources posing a risk for renewed outbreaks.
The NCDC called for ongoing collaboration among government entities, healthcare providers, communities, and families to enhance prevention efforts, improve early detection and treatment, and ultimately control both diphtheria and cholera outbreaks.
