By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Diphtheria kills 600 in 19 states, NPHCDA recommends face mask
Diphtheria Claims 600 Lives Across 19 States; NPHCDA Advocates Face Mask Use
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, revealed on Wednesday that diphtheria has struck 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, resulting in over 14,000 suspected cases.
Dr. Shuaib pointed out that a staggering 10,000 of these cases were concentrated in Kano State, the epicenter of the outbreak. Notably, 97 percent of cases were reported in Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Borno, Kaduna, and Bauchi states, leading to more than 600 fatalities.
This concerning update was shared during the quarterly review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee in Abuja. Dr. Shuaib emphasized that 73 percent of the reported diphtheria cases affected children between one and 14 years old, with 80 percent of those impacted having received no prior vaccination.
He underscored the urgent need for the NTLC and stakeholders to escalate community mobilization efforts, raise public awareness, and promote the acceptance of vaccination services.
Dr. Shuaib commended the engagement of royal highnesses across Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, and Kano States in disseminating vital information about the significance of vaccination within their communities. He lauded their proactive role in addressing the outbreak.
Furthermore, in his capacity as the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Task Force Team on Diphtheria, Dr. Shuaibu visited the Kaduna Diphtheria Treatment Centre at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. He reported that Kaduna State had recorded 156 cases, with 20 patients succumbing to the disease.
Dr. Shuaib emphasized the airborne nature of diphtheria and drew parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, urging residents in affected local government areas to prioritize the use of face masks as a preventive measure.
This revelation underscores the critical need for heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts in combating the diphtheria outbreak across affected regions.