By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce mandatory immunization, testing, and treatment of Nigerians suffering from diphtheria across the 774 local government areas in the country. This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mr. Bitrus Laori, the member representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency in Adamawa State.
The motion highlighted the dangers posed by diphtheria, a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, skin, and, in severe cases, the heart. The disease is transmitted through respiratory droplets, contaminated objects, and crowded, unsanitary environments, making its spread particularly rapid among children and those with compromised immune systems.
Diphtheria has become a critical public health issue in Nigeria since the first outbreak in Borno State in 2011, which claimed 21 lives. The current resurgence of the disease poses significant threats to Nigeria’s already overburdened public health system. According to Laori, the disease primarily threatens unvaccinated individuals who travel internationally or come into contact with infected persons.
The lawmaker noted that diphtheria thrives in Africa due to low vaccination rates, while remaining virtually absent in countries like the United States of America and Europe, where vaccination coverage is high. He cited statistics showing that Nigeria has reported 41,978 suspected cases of diphtheria from Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, and Yobe States, with most cases being children aged 1-14.
The House expressed concern that if nothing is done, the high case fatality rate could worsen and spread outside of the states already impacted. Laori emphasized the urgency of improving vaccination rates, effective antitoxins and treatments, and timely clinical detection and test confirmation to combat the outbreak.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, and the National Health Care Development Agency to enforce mandatory diphtheria immunization, testing, and treatment across healthcare centers in all 774 Local Government Areas. The House also tasked the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to raise public awareness through sensitization campaigns regarding the dangers, symptoms, and transmission modes of diphtheria.
The House further mandated the House Committee on Health and Health Institutions to assess the level of compliance with the mandatory diphtheria immunization and the capacity of health institutions to effectively respond to the current threat of diphtheria spread across the country. The Committee is expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The House’s resolution underscores the need for urgent action to address the diphtheria outbreak and prevent further spread and fatalities. By enforcing mandatory immunization, testing, and treatment, and raising public awareness, the government can help to mitigate the impact of the disease and protect the health and well-being of Nigerians.
