Diphtheria has claimed 1,269 lives in Nigeria, with over 24,804 confirmed cases as of January 2025. Recent deaths, including that of a student at King’s College, reveal systemic failures in vaccination, disease surveillance, and public awareness. Experts urge immediate action, including nationwide vaccination campaigns and enhanced health education to mitigate this preventable crisis.
Nigeria is grappling with a severe health crisis as diphtheria has resulted in the deaths of 1,269 individuals across 18 states since 2022, with 24,804 confirmed cases reported as of January 26, 2025, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The lackadaisical response from health authorities highlights critical gaps within Nigeria’s public health system, prompting urgent calls for action.
A recent incident at King’s College, Lagos, underscores the severity of the situation. A 12-year-old student succumbed to diphtheria complications after developing symptoms on February 22, 2025, and receiving treatment at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Unfortunately, myocarditis, a severe heart inflammation, led to his death on March 6, 2025. Following this tragic event, 34 close contacts were identified, with 14 presenting symptoms that necessitated hospitalization.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affecting the respiratory system and producing toxins that can obstruct airways and inflict cardiac and neurological damage. Symptoms include severe sore throat, fever, swollen neck, respiratory difficulties, and grayish patches in the throat. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, making crowded environments like schools particularly vulnerable.
Despite its preventability through vaccination, Nigeria continues to face alarming mortality rates from diphtheria. Experts have identified three key failures contributing to this crisis: inadequate vaccination coverage, slow disease surveillance, and insufficient public awareness. Many children do not receive the necessary DTaP vaccine, while health officials struggle to detect outbreaks swiftly, allowing them to proliferate.
To address the outbreak in Lagos and prevent future deaths, the government must undertake immediate measures: launch aggressive vaccination initiatives focusing on high-risk areas, enhance disease surveillance for prompt outbreak detection, and promote public health education on diphtheria in schools and communities.
Individuals and families also play a crucial role: ensuring children are properly vaccinated, maintaining hygiene, and seeking immediate medical care for persisting symptoms. Diphtheria should not claim lives in 2025. The tragic case at King’s College serves as a reminder of the urgent need for action from authorities to prevent further loss of life.
In conclusion, the diphtheria crisis in Nigeria demands an urgent and coordinated response from both health authorities and the community. With substantial fatalities and a clear need for better vaccination coverage and disease surveillance, immediate action is crucial. The King’s College tragedy exemplifies the risks of neglecting preventive measures. It is imperative that government bodies and individuals alike prioritize public health to avert further unnecessary deaths from this preventable illness.
Original Source: allafrica.com
