The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the alert levels in Nigeria following the second wave of diphtheria outbreak in the country.
Between June 30 and August 31, the country observed an unexpected rise in diphtheria which increased the number of confirmed cases to 4,717.
Since the outbreak began on January 1, 2023, the WHO has registered 8,353 cases. A substantial proportion, around 74%, of the 4,717 cases involved children aged 1-14. More than half of the victims were females, and only a small fraction had been fully or partially immunised against diphtheria.
The disease has effectively spread to 14 states in the country, with Kano suffering the most. Other states include Osun, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nassarawa, Zamfara, Jigawa, Lagos, Plateau, Kaduna, Kastina, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno.
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“There is an increased risk of transmission, with clusters and outbreaks reported in newly affected LGAs, with currently 27 LGAs reporting one clinically compatible case in the last three reporting weeks relative to 15 LGAs that had active cases in the preceding three weeks,” WHO’s report read.
Prof Ali Pate, Minister of Health, remarked in a press briefing last week that a lack of investment in the health sector was impeding the country’s ability to prepare for outbreaks such as diphtheria.
“Whether it is Lassa fever, diphtheria, or meningitis, they will happen because we have left our health security very low,” Prof Pate said.
In light of the WHO report, the Health Minister has formed an emergency task force to contain the disease and prevent it from spreading further.
“There should be massive mobilisation and sensitisation. This is where the NTLC is critical. Our people should be aware about the disease, the dangers inherent in it, and what they need to do. We must mount rapid response as our children are returning to school,” Mr Pate said.
