NCDC Reports Over 1,300 Deaths from Diphtheria Amid Vaccination Gaps in Nigeria
The NCDC reports that Nigeria’s diphtheria outbreak has caused 1,319 deaths, with significant cases in Kano State. Vaccination gaps persist, as only 19.3 percent of confirmed cases were vaccinated. Public health experts emphasize the need for urgent vaccination campaigns, improved diagnostics, and enhanced access to treatment to address the crisis.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a staggering 1,319 fatalities linked to the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria. The center provided this update through its latest situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre published on Sunday. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, poses significant health risks, primarily affecting the throat and nose, and can lead to severe complications such as breathing difficulties and nerve damage.
Vaccination serves as the primary preventive measure against diphtheria, while prompt treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics remains essential for effective disease management. Since 2022, over 42,000 suspected diphtheria cases have surfaced across 37 states in Nigeria. The NCDC’s report covers Epidemiological Week 10 of 2025 and outlines the ongoing challenges in combating diphtheria, including limited vaccine coverage, deficient laboratory capabilities, and delays in case confirmations.
Kano State has emerged as the most affected region, accounting for an alarming 75 percent of confirmed cases, totaling 18,108 out of 25,812 reported cases. Other significantly impacted states include Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina. The case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 5.1 percent, indicating a troubling trend where one in every 20 confirmed cases results in death, with some states reporting even higher mortality rates.
During the latest reporting week, 23 new suspected cases were documented in Lagos and Katsina; however, none were confirmed, as 56.5 percent of total cases remain unclassified due to laboratory delays. The government has initiated reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden states and is enhancing community involvement with traditional and religious leaders.
Health experts have raised alarm over the consequences of delayed diagnoses and ineffective access to treatment, which exacerbate the high fatality rates. Notably, only 19.3 percent of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated, highlighting a critical gap in routine immunisation, particularly in northern Nigeria. Dr. Solomon Chollom emphasized the necessity for urgent mass vaccination campaigns aimed at children aged one to 14, who represent 62.9 percent of confirmed cases.
Concerns have also been expressed regarding Nigeria’s laboratory testing capacity. In 2024, all diphtheria cases were confirmed merely through clinical symptoms, signifying a lack of laboratory testing resources. The government has acknowledged the need for improved diagnostic capabilities and the need for a nationwide diphtheria vaccination initiative with enhanced disease monitoring and reliable supply chains for diagnostic materials.
With Nigeria facing a severe diphtheria outbreak, public health officials warn that without significant advancements in vaccination and surveillance, the situation may deteriorate further. Steps outlined by the government include enhanced case management, improved laboratory diagnostics, and expanded vaccination efforts, specifically focusing on children. Public health experts maintain that preventive vaccination continues to be the best defense against this critical health crisis, urging parents to ensure their children are up to date with immunisations.
In conclusion, the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria has resulted in over 1,300 deaths, highlighting significant public health challenges. Low vaccination rates, inadequate laboratory capacity, and delayed case confirmations contribute to the epidemic. The NCDC’s efforts, alongside calls from health experts for urgent vaccinations and improved diagnostics, underscore the critical need for a robust public health response to mitigate this dire situation.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
