The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) have reiterated the importance of vaccinating children against diphtheria, a potentially deadly but vaccine-preventable disease.
Dr Muyi Aina, ED/CEO, NPHCDA, said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
Aina said that children should receive three doses of the pentavalent vaccine at six, 10, and 14 weeks of age to ensure full protection against diphtheria and other infectious diseases.
“Diphtheria, caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium, spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact, leading to severe respiratory complications, heart failure, and even death if untreated.
“However, timely vaccination can prevent outbreaks and protect both individuals and communities,” he said.
In recent months, he said that the country recorded a surge in diphtheria cases, particularly in states with low immunisation coverage.
“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the NPHCDA have intensified vaccination campaigns to curb the spread,” he said.
He urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children complete the routine immunisation schedule.
“Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent diphtheria.
“Parents must take advantage of free immunisation services at health centres nationwide,” he said.
He warned that unvaccinated children remain vulnerable to outbreaks.
He encouraged community participation in vaccination drives to achieve herd immunity and reduce the disease burden.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) continue to support Nigeria’s immunisation efforts, providing vaccines and technical assistance to strengthen routine immunisation programmes,” he said.
As Nigeria battles diphtheria outbreaks, he urged state governments and traditional leaders to promote awareness and ensure vaccines reach every child, particularly in underserved communities.
“For more information, parents can visit their nearest primary healthcare centre or contact local health authorities to schedule their child’s vaccinations.
NAN recalls that Nigeria recorded 23 new suspected diphtheria cases in the 10th epidemiological week of 2025, with Lagos State accounting for 20 cases, followed by Katsina with three.
The rise in Lagos follows an outbreak at Kings College, where 14 students were infected, and one died.
In response, the Lagos State Government launched an emergency vaccination campaign, while infected students received treatment at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
The school principal implemented hygiene measures, but some parents criticised the school’s sanitary conditions.
Nationally, between May 2022 and March 2025, Nigeria recorded 1,319 diphtheria-related deaths from 42,642 suspected cases across 37 states.
Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa accounted for 96.3 per cent of cases.
Of the suspected cases, 25,812 (60.5 per cent) were confirmed across 184 local government areas in 26 states.(NAN)
