Nigeria Faces Diphtheria Crisis: Urgent Action Required from Authorities

Diphtheria has resulted in 1,269 deaths in Nigeria since 2022, with over 24,800 confirmed cases. The recent death of a student at King’s College highlights critical failures in vaccination coverage, disease surveillance, and public awareness. Urgent action is required from authorities to implement vaccination drives, enhance surveillance, and educate the public to combat this preventable disease.

Nigeria is currently facing a significant health crisis, as diphtheria has led to the loss of 1,269 lives since 2022. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 24,804 confirmed cases as of January 26, 2025, highlighting severe deficiencies in the public health system’s response. Despite the serious implications of this outbreak, authorities remain slow to act, allowing the disease’s spread across 18 states.

A tragic incident at King’s College, Lagos, where a 12-year-old student succumbed to diphtheria, has further underscored the urgency of the situation. The student began showing symptoms on February 22, 2025, and although he received treatment, complications such as myocarditis ultimately led to his death on March 6, 2025. Following this case, 34 individuals who had close contact were identified, with 14 requiring hospitalization due to the onset of symptoms.

Diphtheria, caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to severe complications like airway obstruction and heart damage. Symptoms include fever, a severe sore throat, swollen neck, and respiratory difficulties. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets and can also be contracted from contaminated surfaces, particularly in densely populated areas such as schools.

Despite being preventable through vaccination, Nigeria has experienced a worrying increase in diphtheria cases. Experts identify three main factors contributing to this crisis: inadequate vaccination coverage, resulting in many children missing the essential DTaP vaccine; insufficient disease surveillance, leading to delays in outbreak detection; and a lack of public awareness regarding the disease and the importance of timely vaccination.

In light of the recent outbreak, it is imperative for government authorities to take immediate and effective measures. Recommended actions include aggressive nationwide vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk regions, enhanced surveillance systems for prompt outbreak detection, and increased public education on diphtheria symptoms and preventive measures.

Furthermore, parents and families play a crucial role in combating diphtheria by ensuring their children receive routine vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms. Nigeria must not view diphtheria as a mere health crisis; it is a preventable disease that should no longer cost lives in 2025. The case at King’s College exemplifies a broader trend of preventable deaths, and the pressing question remains: Will authorities take decisive action to avert further tragedies?

The diphtheria crisis in Nigeria has reached alarming levels, with significant loss of life and widespread confirmed cases. The tragic death of a young student at King’s College exemplifies the urgent need for action. The government’s response must include improved vaccination efforts, enhanced surveillance, and increased public awareness. Individual responsibility is equally important in ensuring public health. Nigeria must prioritize preventative measures to avert further fatalities due to this avoidable disease.

Original Source: allafrica.com