Nigeria's progress to eradicate diphtheria

Nigeria is facing a challenging battle against diphtheria as the fatality and infection rates continue to climb, with over 600 deaths reported so far. Children are the most affected demographic, as the World Health Organisation raises concerns about the country's low testing capacity potentially leading to underreported cases. In response to the outbreak, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has deployed National Rapid Response Teams to affected states to provide on-site surveillance and response support. Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director General of the NCDC, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the strategies being implemented to curb the spread of diphtheria. Adetifa emphasized the importance of ramping up testing and surveillance efforts to accurately assess the extent of the diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria. He highlighted the need for improved coordination between local, state, and national health authorities to effectively contain the disease. Adetifa also underscored the critical role of community engagement and public awareness campaigns in promoting preventive measures and early detection of diphtheria cases. One of the key challenges in Nigeria's fight against diphtheria is the lack of widespread vaccination coverage, particularly in underserved and remote areas. Adetifa stressed the urgency of enhancing vaccination campaigns to reach vulnerable populations and achieve herd immunity against the disease. He noted that addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation is crucial in driving immunization uptake and reducing the burden of diphtheria in the country. Moreover, Adetifa discussed the NCDC's efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and build capacity at the local level to respond more effectively to public health emergencies like the diphtheria outbreak. He highlighted the role of training programs and resource allocation in equipping healthcare workers with the necessary skills and tools to diagnose, treat, and prevent diphtheria cases. In conclusion, Adetifa reiterated the NCDC's commitment to collaborating with international partners, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to address the diphtheria crisis in Nigeria comprehensively. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing public health investments, data-driven decision-making, and multisectoral cooperation in combating infectious diseases and safeguarding the well-being of the Nigerian population. The battle against diphtheria in Nigeria remains an ongoing challenge, but with concerted efforts and strategic interventions, there is hope for progress in eradicating this deadly disease and protecting the health of vulnerable communities.