resurgence Chijioke Iremeka Following the outbreak of diphtheria in the Tukur Tukur settlement of Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, public health experts have advocated improved childhood vaccination campaigns in Nigeria to tackle the infection. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, could lead to severe complications, including respiratory distress, heart failure, and even death if not promptly treated. Recall that a health team led by the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Bello Jamo, had on Sunday confirmed a diphtheria outbreak in the Tukur Tukur settlement of Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
https://healthwise.punchng.com/who-govt-blame-vaccine-rejection-as-diphtheria-kills-three-in-kaduna/ The team, which included a World Health Organisation representative, visited the community after reports of child deaths.
Jamo confirmed that three children had died from the suspected outbreak, attributing the incident to non-compliance with diphtheria vaccination during a routine exercise conducted two months ago. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the visit , he noted that the reported case of outbreak of the disease in the 13 wards of Zaria LGA was the first after the routine vaccination exercise conducted in June. In October 2023, the National Primary Health Care Department Agency said 20 people were killed of the 156 cases of diphtheria in the state.
According to the World Health Organisation, Di.