Uchendu Alexis
In response to the alarming and widespread outbreak of diphtheria, affecting 18 states, including densely populated regions such as Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, the Federal Government of Nigeria is considering the reintroduction of face masks as a preventive measure to stem the transmission of the disease.
Diphtheria’s rapid spread has raised serious concerns, with over 8,000 reported cases, and Kano State being the epicenter of this highly contagious ailment, accounting for a staggering 7,188 cases. Additional cases have been identified in various states, including Yobe (775), Katsina (232), Borno (118), Jigawa (23), Bauchi (20), Lagos (8), Kaduna (17), FCT (6), Gombe (5), Osun (3), Sokoto (3), and Niger (2). Isolated cases have also emerged in Cross River, Enugu, Imo, Nasarawa, Kebbi, and Zamfara states.
To address this growing public health concern, the Federal Government has issued an urgent call to the governors of affected states, urging them to reintroduce the use of face masks as a preventive measure among their respective populations. This measure aims to contain the further spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on vulnerable communities.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), recently addressed the escalating diphtheria cases during a press conference. He disclosed that out of the 8,406 confirmed cases in Nigeria, a significant 73.7% were children between the ages of one and 14, underscoring the importance of swift and effective measures to safeguard the health of the nation’s youth.
Dr. Adetifa emphasized, “Our records have shown that most of the confirmed cases of diphtheria in the country were unvaccinated against diphtheria.” As part of its response, the NCDC has activated diphtheria surveillance and public health measures in affected states and the FCT. The agency continues to conduct preliminary and confirmatory testing at sub-national and national levels through its laboratory network.
