Nigeria has faced a severe diphtheria crisis since 2022, with 1,269 deaths and over 24,800 cases confirmed. The government’s response has been slow, revealing weaknesses in public health measures. An incident at King’s College in Lagos underscores the urgency for better vaccination, disease surveillance, and public awareness to combat this preventable disease and save lives.
In Nigeria, a severe health crisis is unfolding due to diphtheria, which has resulted in 1,269 deaths across 18 states since 2022. As of January 26, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed 24,804 cases, yet the government’s response has been notably inadequate, highlighting deficiencies within the public health system.
A recent incident at King’s College in Lagos involved a 12-year-old student who succumbed to the disease after showing symptoms on February 22, 2025. Despite receiving antibiotics and antitoxin treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), he faced complications, including myocarditis, leading to his death on March 6, 2025. Following this tragedy, 34 close contacts were identified, with 14 requiring hospitalization after exhibiting symptoms.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affecting the throat and nose. The disease can cause serious complications, including airway blockage, heart damage, and neurological issues. Key symptoms include severe sore throat, fever, swollen neck, and difficulty breathing, and the disease spreads via respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces.
Despite being preventable through vaccination, diphtheria continues to claim lives in Nigeria. Experts cite three main failures contributing to this crisis: inadequate vaccination coverage, slow disease surveillance, and a lack of public awareness regarding diphtheria’s symptoms and the necessity for vaccinations.
The Lagos outbreak underscores an urgent need for action. Authorities should implement aggressive vaccination campaigns, enhance disease surveillance for early detection, and promote public health education through schools, religious centers, and media outlets.
Moreover, individuals and families must also contribute to stopping the spread of diphtheria by ensuring that children receive necessary vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical attention promptly when symptoms arise. It is imperative that Nigeria treats this issue with the seriousness it deserves, as diphtheria is preventable and should not continue to result in loss of life in 2025. The tragic case from King’s College serves as a critical reminder—will the government act swiftly to avert further tragedies?
The ongoing diphtheria crisis in Nigeria has led to significant loss of life, with government responses lagging. The recent death of a student in Lagos serves as a crucial indicator of the need for improved vaccination coverage, prompt disease surveillance, and heightened public awareness. It is essential for both authorities and individuals to take action to prevent further fatalities, as diphtheria is a preventable disease that should not claim lives in 2025.
Original Source: allafrica.com
