Nigeria’s Diphtheria Crisis: Urgent Action Required as Death Toll Rises
Nigeria faces a severe diphtheria crisis, with 1,269 deaths reported since 2022. The government response has been inadequate, exposing weaknesses in public health. An outbreak at King’s College resulted in a student’s death, highlighting the urgent need for improved vaccination coverage and health awareness. Authorities must act decisively to implement vaccination campaigns and public health education to prevent more fatalities.
A significant health crisis is unfolding in Nigeria, with diphtheria resulting in 1,269 fatalities across 18 states since 2022. As of January 26, 2025, there have been 24,804 confirmed cases reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Despite this alarming situation, governmental responses have been lackluster, revealing substantial deficiencies in the public health system.
A tragic incident occurred at King’s College in Lagos, where a 12-year-old student succumbed to diphtheria after exhibiting symptoms on February 22, 2025. Following treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, the young boy developed myocarditis—severe inflammation of the heart—which ultimately led to his death on March 6, 2025. In the aftermath, 34 close contacts were identified, with 14 requiring hospitalization due to emerging symptoms.
This particular outbreak, although limited, serves as a pressing indication of the ongoing spread of diphtheria, underscoring significant gaps in vaccination efforts and disease monitoring within Nigeria. Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and primarily affects the throat and nose, potentially causing airway blockage, heart damage, and neurological issues. Symptoms include a severe sore throat, fever, swollen neck, difficulties in breathing, and the presence of thick patches in the throat.
The transmission of diphtheria occurs through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing by an infected individual, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces, making crowded public spaces, particularly schools, a high-risk environment.
Despite the availability of vaccines that can prevent diphtheria, Nigeria continues to witness alarming mortality rates due to three main factors: inadequate vaccination coverage, subpar disease surveillance, and a lack of public awareness regarding the symptoms and need for vaccination among parents.
To combat this outbreak effectively, immediate governmental action is necessary, including the implementation of aggressive vaccination campaigns in high-risk regions, enhancing surveillance for quicker outbreak identification, and bolstering public health awareness through various community platforms.
Individuals must also take proactive steps, such as ensuring children receive their vaccinations and booster shots, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical help promptly upon noticing symptoms. Nigeria’s fight against diphtheria requires a united effort; it is vital that authorities act swiftly to prevent further unnecessary fatalities in 2025 and beyond. The tragic case from King’s College is merely one among countless preventable deaths, raising the urgent question: will the authorities intervene before more lives are lost?
In conclusion, the diphtheria crisis in Nigeria highlights critical shortcomings in vaccination and public health response systems, resulting in a significant number of avoidable deaths. The situation demands immediate action from authorities, including vaccination drives and improved surveillance, alongside public awareness initiatives. Citizen engagement is equally important in preventing the disease. Nigeria cannot afford to treat this as a normal health issue; decisive measures must be taken to safeguard the health and lives of its citizens.
Original Source: allafrica.com
