Govt Sends Response Team To Eight States Affected By Diphtheria
By Orji Onyekwere
Today, at the inaugural press briefing of the National Diphtheria Emergency Task Force, the DG Dr Ifedayo Adetifa alongside the task force co-chair, Dr Faisal Shuaib, E.D. National Primary Health Care Development Agency provided an update on the situation of the diphtheria outbreak and response in the country.
The national #diphtheria emergency task force was set up by the Hon Coordinating Minister Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, Prof Muhammad Pate, on the 14th of September to coordinate & optimise response efforts, as well as ensure optimal collaboration among relevant health stakeholders in the fight against #diphtheria.
In his remark, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa gave an update on the national response.
“Last week, National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) were deployed to Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Jigawa and Zamfara to support the outbreak response across all pillars in these high-burden States.
“As of today, October 3rd, there have been 13,204 reported suspected cases, and 8406 confirmed cases from 114 LGAs across 19 States including FCT. Of these confirmed cases, 25% are fully vaccinated while 64% are unvaccinated and 11% with unknown vaccination status.
“We currently have 14 laboratories in the #diphtheria lab network with the capacity to support #diphtheria testing. We have also conducted refresher training of national and subnational laboratory personnel with support from our partners including the World Health Organization Nigeria, the UK Health Security Agency & Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières.
“Also supported by the World Bank, Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria & other partners we have been able to develop & distribute #diphtheria social behavioural change materials to all States. We are also engaging community & religious stakeholders in high-burden states on diphtheria prevention & control measures.
For the first time in any recorded diphtheria outbreak, the Federal Government of Nigeria has made DAT and now IV erythromycin available using its resources and partners’ support. These have resulted in a significant decline in the case fatality rate from about 40% to about 6% now”.
In his remark, the Executive Director of NPHCDA Dr Faisal Shuaib said “Vaccination has long been humanity’ armour against deadly diseases, & #diphtheria is no exception. The Pentavalent vaccine, administered to children 6 weeks – 4 yrs, and the Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine, for children aged >4 yrs – 14 yrs are readily available.
“It is crucial to note that routine vaccination continues daily at all government facilities across the nation. The ongoing reactive vaccination exercise serves as an additional layer of effort, a testament to the Nigeria government’s & our partners’ commitment to curbing the outbreak
“The Federal government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its agencies remain committed to protecting the health of all Nigerians”.
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