The Coordinating Minister of Well being and Social Affairs, Prof. Muhammad Pate, mentioned that because the begin of the diphtheria response, greater than 5 million kids have been vaccinated with the pentavalent vaccine and 10 million kids with the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine.
Pate made this recognized on Wednesday throughout the sequence of ministerial press conferences initiated by the Ministry of Info and Nationwide Steerage.
Pentavalent vaccine protects in opposition to diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (whooping cough), hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae sort b.
The Td vaccine prevents tetanus and diphtheria.
Final Friday, the Director Normal of the Nigeria Heart for Illness Management and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, famous that Nigeria has recorded 16,248 instances of diphtheria and 646 deaths since 2022.
Nigeria is at present additionally responding to Lassa fever, meningitis and measles, amongst others.
In September 2023, Pate shaped an emergency job drive to curb the diphtheria outbreak within the nation.
In November 2023, the federal government launched a job drive to work on the event of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
In the meantime, Pate mentioned the federal authorities's dedication to immunization has yielded exceptional leads to defending the general public from vaccine-preventable ailments.
Pate mentioned: “Via sturdy vaccination campaigns and outreach applications, now we have made important progress in sustaining vaccination protection throughout the nation, defending our communities, particularly our youngsters, from devastating ailments.
“Our speedy response to the diphtheria outbreak particularly underscored our dedication to proactive illness management measures, which shortly contained the unfold and saved numerous lives. Because the starting of the diphtheria response, greater than 5 million kids have been immunized with the Penta vaccine and 10 million kids with Td vaccines.”
Pate mentioned the federal government has supplied steadfast assist to states in combating the scourge of Lassa fever.
He additionally mentioned that the federal government has began distribution of aid supplies to states and remedy facilities to fight the menace of Lassa fever.
“These embody private protecting gear, ribavirin (injection and tablets), physique luggage, thermometers, hypochlorite hand sanitisers and data, schooling and communication supplies. By making certain the provision of those important assets, we goal to equip healthcare employees and services with the mandatory instruments to successfully handle and management outbreaks.
“Recognizing the significance of strategic planning and preparedness, now we have developed a strong distribution plan for Lassa fever merchandise. This plan ensures well timed and equitable distribution of assets to states and remedy facilities based mostly on their particular wants and vulnerabilities. As well as, pre-positioning of uncooked supplies has been undertaken to allow speedy response and decrease logistical challenges throughout outbreaks.
“Confirmed instances of Lassa fever are being handled instantly at recognized remedy facilities throughout the USA. These facilities are outfitted with the mandatory medical experience, services and medicines to offer complete care to sufferers. By centralizing remedy and care, we are able to successfully handle instances, stop transmission and enhance affected person outcomes,” he mentioned.
He added that the federal government is dedicated to mitigating the consequences of Lassa fever and defending the well being and well-being of all Nigerians via strategic planning, useful resource allocation and collaborative efforts with state governments and healthcare companions.
