Mothercloud News

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported over 1,300 deaths linked to diphtheria as vaccination gaps continue to pose a major challenge. This was highlighted in the latest situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), published on Sunday via the agency’s official website.

Diphtheria, a severe bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the throat and nasal passages. The bacteria release toxins that can lead to complications such as respiratory distress, heart failure, and nerve damage. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, while early intervention with antitoxins and antibiotics is crucial for managing the disease.

Alarming Case Numbers and Mortality Rates

Since 2022, Nigeria has recorded over 42,000 suspected diphtheria cases across 37 states. According to the NCDC, Kano State remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 75% of confirmed cases, with 18,108 out of 25,812 infections.

Other states with high case burdens include:

• Bauchi – 2,334 cases
• Yobe – 2,408 cases
• Katsina – 1,501 cases

The overall case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 5.1%, indicating that approximately one in every 20 confirmed cases results in death. Some states report even higher mortality rates:

• Kaduna – unreported percentage
• Plateau – 48%
• Lagos – 83%
• Adamawa – 80%

In the latest reporting week, 23 new suspected cases emerged, with 20 recorded in Lagos and three in Katsina. However, laboratory confirmation remains a challenge, with 56.5% of cases still unclassified due to testing delays.

Challenges in Containing the Outbreak

Despite efforts to curb the spread, Nigeria faces significant hurdles, including:

• Low Vaccination Coverage: The report reveals that only 4,981 (19.3%) of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.
• Limited Testing Capacity: Many cases in 2024 were diagnosed based on clinical symptoms alone, rather than laboratory testing. A shortage of reagents and inadequate PCR testing capacity raises concerns about underreporting or misdiagnosis.
• Delayed Case Confirmation: Late diagnoses and restricted access to treatment contribute to high fatality rates, especially in northern states where routine immunization is weak.

Government Response and Expert Recommendations

In response to the crisis, the Federal Government has initiated emergency vaccination campaigns in high-burden states and strengthened community engagement through traditional and religious leaders. However, experts argue that more decisive action is needed.

Dr. Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, emphasizes the urgency of mass vaccination campaigns targeting children aged one to 14, as they account for 62.9% of confirmed cases. He also highlights the critical need for expanding laboratory capacity to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis.

The government has outlined specific steps to curb the outbreak:

• Enhancing case management and data coordination across affected states.
• Scaling up PCR testing to improve laboratory-confirmed diagnoses.
• Expanding immunization efforts to close immunity gaps, particularly among children.
• Boosting public awareness through social media and grassroots engagement.

Call to Action

With Nigeria facing one of its worst diphtheria outbreaks in decades, health officials warn that failure to improve vaccination coverage and disease surveillance could exacerbate the crisis. Experts urge parents to ensure their children receive routine immunizations, as preventive vaccination remains the best defense against diphtheria’s deadly impact.