Following the outbreak of diphtheria in the Tukur Tukur settlement of Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, public health experts have advocated improved childhood vaccination campaigns in Nigeria to tackle the infection.
Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, could lead to severe complications, including respiratory distress, heart failure, and even death if not promptly treated.
Recall that a health team led by the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Bello Jamo, had on Sunday confirmed a diphtheria outbreak in the Tukur Tukur settlement of Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna
The team, which included a World Health Organisation representative, visited the community after reports of child deaths.
Jamo confirmed that three children had died from the suspected outbreak, attributing the incident to non-compliance with diphtheria vaccination during a routine exercise conducted two months ago.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the visit , he noted that the reported case of outbreak of the disease in the 13 wards of Zaria LGA was the first after the routine vaccination exercise conducted in June.
In October 2023, the National Primary Health Care Department Agency said 20 people were killed of the 156 cases of diphtheria in the state.
According to the World Health Organisation, Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by a bacterium that affects the upper respiratory tract and less often the skin.
The global health body stated that diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, but multiple doses and booster doses are needed to produce and sustain immunity. The bacterium produces a toxin that damages the heart and the nerves.
The WHO noted that those who are not immunised or under-immunised are at risk of the disease, saying that unvaccinated individuals, without proper treatment, diphtheria can be fatal in around 30 per cent of cases, with young children at higher risk of dying.
The experts call on the government to embark on immediate vaccination of all children in the community, especially children under five to control the spread.
The public health physicians stressed that achieving high vaccination coverage was critical in halting the spread of diphtheria, by ensuring that the entire population is protected.
An Epidemiologist and Public Health Physician at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Kaduna State, Prof Aisha Abubakar, said that diphtheria was a vaccine-preventable disease.
Abubakar noted that the potential diphtheria outbreak suggests that vaccination coverage is insufficient.
She explained that low vaccination rates increase the risk of infection, as unvaccinated children were more susceptible to contracting the disease from others who were infected.
Abubakar said, “If a child is vaccinated, it reduces the risk of developing the infection. Therefore, there is a need for intensified surveillance and a vaccination campaign to effectively control the outbreak.
Therefore, there is a need for intensified surveillance and a vaccination campaign to effectively control the outbreak.
“When vaccines become available, it’s crucial for everyone to ensure their children are vaccinated, especially those who missed previous vaccinations.
“Sometimes, even if a child is vaccinated, issues with the vaccine’s potency such as problems with the cold chain can result in inadequate immunisation.
“There is a difference between vaccination and immunisation. A child can be vaccinated with a vaccine, but if the vaccine is not potent, the child may not be properly immunised against the disease.”
For diphtheria, the epidemiologist explained that a child must receive the pentavalent vaccine a certain number of times, specifically three doses, to be properly immunised.
“If a child is not fully vaccinated, they remain at risk of developing the infection. Therefore, the government must implement a comprehensive vaccination campaign against diphtheria in the community and neighboring areas to prevent the potential spread of the infection,” she added.
Moreover, the WHO emphasised that recent diphtheria outbreaks highlight the critical need to maintain high levels of vaccination coverage throughout communities across all stages of life.
In 2023, approximately 84 percent of children globally received the recommended three doses of the diphtheria-containing vaccine during infancy, leaving 16 percent with either no coverage or incomplete coverage.
Corroborating her statement, a Consultant Public Health and Medical Director at the Federal College of Education, Akoka Medical Centre, Lagos, Dr. Rotimi Adesanya, emphasised that comprehensive vaccination was crucial in containing the disease and preventing a full outbreak within the community.
Adesanya stressed that this effort should be complemented alongside other proactive measures, such as raising awareness, providing health education, and engaging directly with community members to stem the tide.
He noted that “increasing vaccination acceptance and uptake, as well as organising state immunisation days, would be beneficial in containing the spread of the disease.
“Additionally, raising awareness about the disease is essential so that people are informed. Promoting good hygiene practices among the public and avoiding overcrowded areas are also important steps, as they help prevent the spread of the infection”, he said.
