Nigeria steps up diphtheria measures after cases in Karshi
Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Administration has intensified surveillance, vaccination and community engagement in Karshi, Abuja, following confirmed diphtheria cases. According to Premium Times Nigeria, particular attention is being paid to children who have not been vaccinated or have an incomplete immunization course.
Confirmed cases
The Federal Capital Territory Secretary for Health and Environment, Adedolapo Fasawe, said that after laboratory confirmation of a diphtheria case, authorities activated a multidisciplinary response team. Measures include active case finding, identification and monitoring of close contacts, preventive antibiotics for contacts who meet the criteria, laboratory testing and training healthcare workers in early detection of the infection.
According to Fasawe, as of the end of the previous week, 15 suspected cases were being investigated in the Federal Capital Territory. Five of them were laboratory-confirmed, while 10 were ruled out following the investigation. Two deaths were recorded among the confirmed cases.
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Vaccination in communities
Surveillance and vaccination teams were sent to priority settlements, including Angwan-Kokosa and neighboring communities. They are working with traditional and religious leaders, schools, healthcare facilities and other community representatives to identify suspected cases, assess immunization gaps and reach children who missed routine vaccinations.
Fasawe urged parents and guardians to check their children’s vaccination cards and visit the nearest primary healthcare facility if the vaccination status is unknown. According to her, healthcare workers will be able to assess a child’s status even without a vaccination card. Residents with fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing or neck swelling were also urged to seek medical care immediately.
Support from the NCDC and WHO
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention pledged technical support for the measures in Karshi. World Health Organization representative Imabong Adebayo said that several diphtheria cases had been recorded in the community during the year, prompting the campaign. She noted that vaccines for children are free, safe and available.
