Nigeria is facing a severe diphtheria outbreak with 1,319 deaths recorded. Significant vaccination gaps and challenges in laboratory capacity contribute to the crisis. Experts call for urgent mass vaccination campaigns and improved diagnostics to curb high fatality rates, particularly among children aged one to fourteen.
Nigeria has reported 1,319 deaths due to an ongoing diphtheria outbreak, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre published this data in a recent situation report. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, affects the throat and nose’s mucous membranes, potentially leading to serious complications such as breathing difficulties and heart failure.
The NCDC has documented over 42,000 suspected diphtheria cases across 37 states since 2022. The report, covering Epidemiological Week 10 of 2025, outlines challenges such as low vaccination coverage and delayed case confirmation. Notably, Kano State represents 75% of confirmed cases, which totals 18,108 out of 25,812.
The case fatality rate (CFR) currently stands at 5.1%, indicating that one out of every twenty confirmed cases results in death. Some states, including Kaduna and Plateau, have reported mortality rates even higher than 80%. In the last reporting week, 23 new suspected cases emerged, mainly from Lagos and Katsina, but none were confirmed due to delays in laboratory processing.
The Federal Government has initiated reactive vaccination campaigns and increased engagement with community leaders to address the epidemic. Experts have expressed concern over late diagnostics and inadequate treatment access, leading to heightened fatality rates. Despite the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), only 19.3% of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated against diphtheria.
Dr. Solomon Chollom highlighted significant gaps in routine immunization, especially in northern Nigeria, emphasizing the urgency for mass vaccination campaigns targeting children aged one to fourteen, who account for 62.9% of the confirmed cases. Chollom also noted a troubling trend where cases in 2024 were primarily confirmed by symptoms rather than laboratory tests, signaling a lack of timely diagnostic resources.
Thus, experts recommend nationwide vaccination efforts, enhanced disease surveillance, and reliable diagnostic supplies. Nigeria must prioritize vaccination and surveillance strategies to combat this severe diphtheria outbreak, with the government outlining necessary actions such as bolstering case management and improving diagnostic capabilities through PCR testing. Public awareness campaigns also need to be strengthened, urging parents to ensure children’s routine vaccinations are up to date.
In conclusion, Nigeria is experiencing a significant diphtheria outbreak with over 1,300 fatalities reported. Key challenges include low vaccination rates, delayed diagnostics, and a high case fatality rate. The government has initiated vaccination campaigns, but experts stress the need for urgent mass vaccination efforts and improved access to diagnostic testing to mitigate the outbreak’s severity. Enhanced public engagement and awareness are critical for improving immunization rates, particularly among children.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
