House of Representatives has called on authorities to curtail increase in diphtheria cases.
The decision followed adoption of a motion initiated by Mr. Muktar Tolan Shagaya at a plenary chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abass.
The House called on Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure outbreak of diphtheria is contained effectively and fatality ratio is reduced in confirmed cases.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC to intensify sensitisation and enlightenment campaign, to prevent and eradicate the scourge of diphtheria and related diseases across the country.
The House, thereby, mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
Shagaya remarked that increase in the number of diphtheria cases became noticeable since the beginning of 2023, adding that about 21 out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have witnessed 557 cases, based on recent reports by World Health Organisation (WHO).
He disclosed that since the outbreak, about 75 deaths have been recorded in the affected states, with the most recent being that of a four-year-old boy in the FCT.
He noted that diphtheria is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease, which spreads between people, mainly by direct contact or through the air, via respiratory droplets.
He said it was unfortunate that diphtheria cases are under-reported in Nigeria, despite the threats they pose to public health, including respiratory complications, heart rhythm problems and other fatal outcomes in late detection.
He maintained that the Federal Government needs to intensify efforts in sensitising and educating the public, especially those living in rural areas on prevention, control and treatment of diphtheria.
