The outbreak, which was initially reported in 2022, had seemingly abated after the first wave between January and May. However, the WHO's report now paints a grim picture of an escalating crisis.
According to the WHO report, the number of affected individuals has surged significantly, accompanied by a disturbing increase in confirmed cases and related fatalities. As of the latest update, Nigeria has reported a total of 4,717 confirmed cases of diphtheria out of the 8,353 suspected cases since the outbreak's resurgence.
The report highlights that several Nigerian states are disproportionately affected by this resurgence. Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Borno are among the states with the highest number of suspected cases, raising concerns about the disease's rapid spread.
In response to this alarming situation, Nigeria's Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, took decisive action. On Thursday, Minister Pate announced the establishment of an emergency task force dedicated to containing the further spread of diphtheria within the country. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to tackling this public health crisis head-on.
The WHO's report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases, even in the face of other health crises. The immediate focus now is on the efforts of the emergency task force and healthcare authorities in Nigeria to curtail the diphtheria outbreak and protect the nation's population. (ILKHA)