By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions and member representin...
By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions and member representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to curb the rising spread of diphtheria in Nigeria. Moving a motion during plenary, Laori described the situation as a major public health concern that demands urgent intervention to save lives.
He explained that diphtheria, a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species, has become a persistent threat since its first outbreak in Borno State in 2011, which claimed 21 lives. He warned that the disease’s resurgence poses a significant danger to the country's already overstretched healthcare system. Diphtheria, which affects the nose, throat, skin, and in severe cases the heart, spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and unsanitary, overcrowded environments. Children and immunocompromised individuals living in such conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Laori observed that while diphtheria has been virtually eliminated in countries with high vaccination coverage like the United States and across Europe, it continues to thrive in Africa due to poor immunization rates. He noted that countries such as Niger, Gabon, and Mauritania have managed to keep fatalities low through effective vaccination, early detection, and access to antitoxins and antibiotics. In contrast, Nigeria’s diphtheria statistics are alarming. From May 2022 to February 2025, the country recorded 41,978 suspected cases, with Kano and Yobe States accounting for the highest numbers—24,062 and 5,330 respectively. Most of the affected individuals were children aged 1 to 14, of which only 19.7 percent were fully vaccinated. The outbreak has led to 1,279 reported deaths during that period.
Expressing deep concern, Laori warned that unless immediate steps are taken, the outbreak could worsen and spread to more states. He emphasized the need to improve immunization rates, ensure availability of antitoxins, and reduce delays in detection and treatment that continue to hinder the country’s response.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, referred the matter to the relevant House Committees on Health Institutions, Information, and National Orientation for further legislative action.
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