Diphtheria: WHO to Support Nigeria’s Case Management, Vaccination
As cases of diphtheria continue to spread, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed readiness to support the Nigerian government to curb the spread of diphtheria across the country.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the global health body would support the government to improve vaccination, surveillance, case management, and risk communication.
The WHO DG also hinted during a briefing on Wednesday, that the health organisation is working with partners to increase access to vaccines and antitoxins.
Speaking at the briefing, Ghebreyesus revealed that more than 9000 suspected cases have been reported across 17 states in Nigeria, with 307 deaths.
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While describing diphtheria as highly contagious, the WHO DG noted that the disease is vaccine-preventable.
He added, “Diphtheria is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease, caused by a bacterium which can be fatal in 5 to 10% of cases, with a higher mortality rate in young children.
“In response, WHO is supporting the government to improve vaccination, surveillance, case management, and risk communication. We are also working with partners to increase access to vaccines and antitoxin.
“This outbreak and others highlight the need to increase routine vaccination to stop these outbreaks before they start.”
