The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarm over the persistent spread of diphtheria across the country, confirming that more than 10,000 cases have been recorded so far this year.
While the agency noted a significant drop in the overall case fatality rate compared to the same period last year, public health officials warn that the infection remains a dangerous threat—particularly to unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children.
Data from the NCDC shows the outbreak is heavily concentrated in Kano, Borno, and Bauchi states, where low routine immunization coverage continues to fuel transmission. Public health efforts to reach vulnerable children in these regions face steep hurdles, including vaccine hesitancy, security challenges, displacement, and difficult terrain.
In response to the surge, reactive vaccination campaigns are underway in affected communities alongside the distribution of essential treatments and laboratory supplies.
Emphasizing that diphtheria is entirely vaccine-preventable, the NCDC urged state and local authorities to pinpoint low-coverage zones and ensure every missed child receives their free routine doses. Healthcare workers have also been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, report suspected cases immediately, and strictly enforce infection prevention measures.
Parents and caregivers are reminded that safe, effective diphtheria vaccines remain free at all primary health centers and vaccination outreach points.
In the same briefing, the NCDC revealed that Nigeria has also logged more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and 195 local government areas this year.
Although cholera numbers have receded from their seasonal peak, health officials warned that ongoing transmission, compounded by recent flooding and contaminated water sources, could easily trigger a fresh spike. The agency called for sustained, multi-sectoral collaboration across all levels of government to safeguard public water supplies and contain further outbreaks.
