Diphtheria Pandemic: Nigeria in race against time to save children

Nigeria has found itself in a race against time as it battles a severe diphtheria outbreak in multiple fronts across some states, the latest public health challenge to face the country. Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Borno, Kaduna, and Bauchi bear the largest brunt of this outbreak, together they account for a staggering 97 per cent of all reported cases. Among these, Kano is the epicentre of the outbreak as it carries over 84 per cent of the burden. This relentless disease is hitting the nation’s children the hardest, with over 73 per cent of cases occurring in children aged one to 14 years. The soaring number of victims is perhaps a reflection of poor preventive measures. A report by U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says that diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin. According to the Centre, diphtheria can lead to difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Pat, said 98 per cent of children infected with diphtheria in 19 states were unvaccinated. Pate said this at the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery (NTLC) Quarterly Review Meeting in Abuja. The worried Pate called for the implementation of a rapid vaccination campaign, adding that the ministry and other stakeholders must partner to aggressively tackle the diphtheria challenge. The victims of the diphtheria outbreak such as Mrs Mario Abbas are telling their stories. Abbas shared the harrowing story of her nine year-old daughter’s battle with diphtheria. According to her, during the early stage of contracting the infection, her daughter suffered from a severe sore throat, mild fever, and swollen neck glands. Like many mothers, she was unaware of the disease’s severity and the importance of vaccinations. Although her daughter has recovered, the road to recovery was long and arduous, leaving her the girl physically weak and emotionally scarred. Abbas’s story underscores the urgent need for improved awareness and access to vaccine, especially among rural communities. Mallam Ahmed Yusuf, a farmer in Kwali Local Government Area, shared the plight of his 13 year-old son whose vibrant life was disrupted by diphtheria. The disease not only affected his physical health but also disrupted his education, potentially jeopardising his future. Diphtheria stands out due to the toxin produced by the bacteria, resulting in a dense membrane forming in the nasal passages, throat, or airway. This differentiates it from typical sore throat infections. Experts stress the immediate need for action to prevent further loss of lives. In response, the Federal Government has swung into action. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has established an Emergency Taskforce, co-chaired by Dr Faisal Shuaib and Dr Ifedayo Adetifa. Working alongside its partners such as WHO, UNICEF, Federal Government’s intervention so far has paid off with the spread of disease contained in many states while relief materials have been provided to affected communities. Two vaccines are being used namely the Pentavalent vaccine for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years, and the Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine for children aged above four years to 14 years. Recent months have witnessed comprehensive vaccination campaigns across affected regions, with a focus on high-burden areas as Nigeria races against time to halt the spread of the disease. Kano State has conducted three rounds of vaccination campaigns. The vaccine intervention has been extended to other affected states like Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi, and Yobe. This is done alongside routine vaccinations at government healthcare facilities nationwide. The diphtheria affected are urged to institute the use of face masks in public gatherings to curb the disease’s spread as governments ramp up a raft of measures to contain the spread. The deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to various states supports outbreak response efforts. These teams conduct on-site surveillance and response support to affected states. Through a network of 14 laboratories Nigeria conducts preliminary and confirmatory testing for diphtheria. Five additional laboratories are being optimised at the subnational level as part of efforts to subdue the disease. Dr Mary Boyd, Country Director of the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), urged raising awareness about vaccinations, dispelling myths, and ensuring accessibility to immunisation services. Mr Matthew Anyebe, a retired nurse, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) there was the need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure, healthcare worker training, and vaccine availability in remote areas. As the Federal Government and its development partners throw all arsenal into the fight against diphtheria outbreak communities should embrace safety measures as prescribed by the experts. Only through collective action can Nigeria overcome this crisis and build a healthier future for its children. The clock is ticking, but with determination and concerted efforts, there is hope that this battle, like others before it, can be won. (NANFeatures)