The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over vaccination gaps in the country, revealing that 68 per cent of confirmed diphtheria cases recorded in available data involved people who had not been vaccinated against the disease.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the nose, throat and, in some cases, the skin. It is considered a vaccine-preventable disease and is covered under Nigeria’s routine childhood immunisation programme.
The latest figure highlights the important role of immunisation in preventing the spread of diphtheria, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups.
According to the NCDC, inadequate vaccination coverage remains a major factor behind diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria. Earlier surveillance data also showed a strong link between confirmed infections and incomplete or absent vaccination, underscoring the need to strengthen routine immunisation nationwide.
The agency has consistently urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive the recommended doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines as part of the national childhood immunisation schedule.
Diphtheria can spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person, making early detection, appropriate treatment and prevention particularly important during outbreaks.
The NCDC has also advised people who develop symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of recovery and help prevent further transmission.
The agency’s warning comes amid continued efforts by health authorities and partners to strengthen disease surveillance, vaccination and outbreak response across Nigeria.
With a significant proportion of confirmed cases occurring among unvaccinated individuals, public health experts continue to emphasise the importance of closing immunisation gaps and ensuring that eligible children receive their vaccines.
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The NCDC has maintained that achieving high vaccination coverage is essential to reducing the risk of diphtheria outbreaks and protecting communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
[…] NCDC: 68% of Confirmed Diphtheria Cases Were Unvaccinated […]