Nigeria Records Over 1,300 Diphtheria Deaths as Vaccination Gaps Persist
Introduction
There is a raging diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, with over 1,300 deaths reported and gaps in vaccination worsening the situation. As of March 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported the country has recorded 1,319 deaths linked to diphtheria since the outbreak began in 2022 (Leadership.ng).
Understanding Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a very contagious bacterial infection due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It infects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, creating a toxin that can cause serious complications, such as respiratory distress, heart failure, and nerve damage.
The disease is transmitted by respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing, and typical symptoms are:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Enlarged glands
- Weakness
- A thick, gray membrane over the throat and tonsils, which can cause difficulty in breathing
Prevention is best achieved through vaccination, and early treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is important in the management of infections.
Scope of the Outbreak
According to the NCDC, between 2022 and early 2025, Nigeria has had:
- 41,336 suspected cases of diphtheria in 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
- 24,846 confirmed cases (60.1%)
- 1,319 confirmed deaths
- Over 70% of cases in children aged 2–14
These alarming figures highlight the need for intervention at the national level (DailyPost.ng).
Most Affected Areas
The outbreak has been worst in the northern part of the country. The most affected states are:
- Kano State – Accounts for 75% of total confirmed cases (18,108 out of 25,812).
- Yobe, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa – These seven states account for 96.5% of all suspected cases (Vanguardngr.com).
Recent Developments
In March 2025, Nigeria reported 23 new suspected cases of diphtheria, with the highest number from Lagos State (20 cases).
There was a recent outbreak at King's College Lagos and infected 14 students and had one fatality. The Lagos State Government responded by launching an emergency vaccination exercise among students and staff (PremiumTimesng.com).
Gaps in Vaccination and Challenges
Among the greatest triggers of the outbreak is low immunisation coverage. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF):
- More than 6.2 million Nigerian children have fallen behind on all vaccines in the last five years
- 25% of Kano patients with diphtheria were fully or partially vaccinated (Reliefweb.int).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need to increase vaccination rates, especially in conflict zones where insecurity affects access to health care services (WHO.int).
Government Response
The NCDC released the National Diphtheria Surveillance and Outbreak Response Guideline to improve disease preparedness and response activities (Matrixngr.com).
Additionally, the House of Representatives has also directed the Federal Ministry of Education to improve safety measures in unity schools, following the outbreak at King's College Lagos (Vanguardngr.com).
Recommendations for Controlling the Outbreak
To control the outbreak and prevent future spread, the following needs to be done:
1. Nationwide Vaccination Campaigns
- Improve immunization coverage in high-risk areas.
- Conduct door-to-door immunization drives.
- Provide free vaccinations to all children under the age of 14.
2. Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure
- Improve lab capacity for faster diagnosis.
- Raise funds for healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas.
3. Address Security Challenges
- Create safe areas for providing healthcare in conflict zones.
- Deploy mobile vaccination teams to remote areas.
4. Public Awareness and Education
- Initiate national awareness campaigns for the prevention of diphtheria.
- Involve traditional and religious leaders to advocate for vaccinations.
5. Policy Implementation and Monitoring
- Implement compulsory diphtheria vaccination prior to school entry.
- Enhance coordination among federal, state, and local health authorities.
Conclusion
Nigeria's diphtheria outbreak points to severe vaccination gap and healthcare infrastructure gaps. Immediate action—particularly mass immunization, healthcare investment, and public enlightenment—are required to stem the tide.
Stay Informed and Protected
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By prioritizing vaccination and health care access, Nigeria can stem this outbreak and prevent future public health crises.
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