Diphtheria has claimed 1,269 lives in Nigeria since 2022, with 24,804 confirmed cases as of January 2025. A recent outbreak in Lagos at King’s College highlighted the weaknesses in vaccination and surveillance systems. Urgent government action is needed to enhance vaccination efforts and public awareness, while individuals must ensure proper vaccinations and hygiene practices.
Nigeria is currently facing a significant health crisis due to diphtheria, with 1,269 deaths reported across 18 states since 2022. As of January 26, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recorded 24,804 confirmed cases. The slow response from health authorities highlights serious deficiencies in the country’s public health infrastructure.
A tragic incident occurred at King’s College in Lagos, where a 12-year-old student succumbed to diphtheria. He exhibited symptoms on February 22, 2025, and despite receiving antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), complications like myocarditis led to his death on March 6. Following this, 34 close contacts were traced, 14 of whom developed symptoms necessitating hospitalization.
This outbreak serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing spread of diphtheria in Nigeria, revealing gaps in vaccination and disease monitoring. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, severely affects the respiratory system and can have fatal consequences if not treated promptly. Symptoms encompass severe sore throat, fever, swollen neck, breathing difficulties, and grayish-white patches in the throat.
The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, which makes crowded environments like schools particularly vulnerable. Despite the disease being vaccine-preventable, Nigeria’s vaccination coverage remains inadequate, with many children lacking the DTaP vaccine necessary to protect against diphtheria.
Experts identify three main contributors to the diphtheria crisis: 1) Insufficient vaccination rates among children, particularly in certain states. 2) Inadequate disease surveillance, leading to delayed outbreak responses. 3) Lack of public awareness surrounding symptoms and the necessity of vaccinations.
In light of the ongoing outbreak, immediate government action is crucial, including: 1) Launching nationwide vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas. 2) Enhancing surveillance systems for swift outbreak detection and response. 3) Elevating public health education through various platforms, ensuring that communities understand diphtheria symptoms and preventive measures.
Beyond government efforts, individuals should also actively participate by ensuring children receive necessary vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical assistance promptly if symptoms develop. Nigeria must view diphtheria not as just another health issue but as a preventable tragedy that can no longer claim lives.
The diphtheria crisis in Nigeria necessitates urgent action from both health authorities and individuals. With alarming death tolls and significant gaps in vaccination coverage and disease surveillance, decisive steps must be taken to combat this preventable disease. Education and vaccination campaigns are critical to averting future tragedies. It is crucial for Nigeria to address this public health concern to safeguard its citizens and prevent further loss of life.
Original Source: allafrica.com
