Urgent Call for Mass Diphtheria Vaccination in Nigeria

A recent diphtheria outbreak in Kano State, particularly in Rano Local Government Area, has led to the deaths of many children, prompting health authorities to be urged to initiate mass vaccinations. The outbreak has also affected other states, including Katsina, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

Dr. Yusuf Haske, the State Director of Public Health in Zamfara, reported 44 deaths and 367 clinically suspected cases, with 320 patients treated. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has previously issued national surveillance guidelines for diphtheria, but the country continues to face challenges due to low vaccination rates, with only about 60% of Nigerians vaccinated according to Oyewale Tomori, a renowned epidemiologist.

The number of unvaccinated individuals could be as high as 87 million, primarily affecting children under five. Factors contributing to the outbreak include poor vaccine coverage, inadequate disease surveillance, and low public awareness.