Diphtheria: Experts raise concern on vaccination in adolescents, adults

On Jan 23, 2023

Experts have raised concerns about the vaccination coverage and the waning immunity in adolescents and adults in the country amidst the resurgence of the deadly throat disease- diphtheria in some parts of Nigeria emphasizing on the need for increased awareness among the populace to curtail the spread of the disease as the country is battling multiple disease outbreaks.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, also confirmed that the throat disease – diphtheria has killed at least 34 persons in the country. The NCDC had, in an advisory, said it had responded to reports of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano States and was monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe States where cases were being picked up.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual.

The Kano State Government that had last week confirmed the outbreak of the disease recently disclosed that it had recorded 100 suspected cases.

The President of the Nigeria Biological Safety Association, Prof Ademola Denloye, in an interview said diphtheria is a bacterial disease, and it could be a challenge to control it. Denloye, who is also a Professor in the Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology at Lagos State University, said “Although it can be prevented by vaccination, the question is do we have the vaccines available and have we been administering them?” He said various Ministries of Health and health departments at all levels need to up their game in curtailing the disease.

Also, a Professor of Public Health, Tanimola Akande, said it is worrisome that a vaccine-preventable disease is still resurging in the country. “It means people are not protected and our immune system is low. Routine immunisation coverage is very low in Nigeria. Officially, they say the vaccine is available but are people accessing it?” he asked.

Also, an associate Professor of Virology at the Osun State University, Dr Waidi Sule, said the country should be concerned that the disease is resurging. “We need massive revaccination, especially of all the children at risk because it should not be a problem. So, if we have a resurgence, we need to intensify the vaccination rate as fast as possible,” Sule said.

NMA President, Dr Uche Ojinmah said “We should not expect too much problem because we have been given the immunisation for diphtheria, that is diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus…“So, I don’t know why we are even having an outbreak, it means that either a section of the country, if it is within this country, is not doing the right thing or maybe we have a vaccine failure.” To curtail the outbreak, Ojinmah said there is a need for increased awareness.

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives said the COVID-19 pandemic has helped the nation’s capacity to deal with airborne diseases.

Healthwise/S.S