In response to the escalating diphtheria outbreak across the nation, the coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate has initiated the formation of an emergency taskforce.
During the inauguration held on Thursday in Abuja, Pate revealed that the primary objective of this task force is to effectively contain the spread of diphtheria, which has emerged in 14 states, with Kano identified as the epicenter.
Pate explained, “The 14 states currently grappling with diphtheria include Lagos, Osun, Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Zamfara, Jigawa and Kano.”
He went on to announce the co-chairpersons of the task force: the executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib and the director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa. The task force comprises other key members, including the director of public health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Anyaike Chukwuma and representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Federal Ministry of Information, as well as the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery (NTLC).
Pate underscored the primary goal of the task force, which is to operate on an emergency footing to prevent the further spread of diphtheria to additional states and provide relief to affected communities.
The minister stressed the necessity of extensive mobilisation and awareness efforts, particularly through the active engagement of the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery (NTLC). He emphasised, “The public must be informed about the disease, its inherent risks, and the essential preventive measures, especially as children return to school”.
Additionally, Pate highlighted the importance of the task force collaborating closely with the Governors of the affected states to secure counterpart funding, foster ownership and facilitate mass mobilisation endeavours.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through airborne droplets or contaminated personal items. Swift and effective action is imperative to safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians as this outbreak unfolds.
