The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has emphasised the urgent need for immunisation against tetanus and diphtheria for pregnant women, to protect them and their unborn children.
The executive director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina conveyed this message during an interview with Science Nigeria, underscoring the critical importance of safeguarding both mother and baby through timely vaccinations.
Tetanus, caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium, enters the body through wounds or cuts, affecting the nervous system and leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Often starting in the jaw, it can be fatal if left untreated. On the other hand, diphtheria, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. It releases a toxin that forms a coating in the throat, posing risks to breathing and potentially damaging the heart and other organs.
Aina revealed a direct correlation between these infections and tragic outcomes for unborn babies, prompting the call for immediate action. He emphasised the resurgence of tetanus and diphtheria, once considered rare and the silent nature of these infections that can catch many off guard, especially pregnant women. Recent cases have shown links between these infections in expectant mothers and adverse outcomes, including premature births and fatal loss.
“To counteract this alarming trend, he emphasised the significance of tetanus and diphtheria immunisation for pregnant women,” said Aina. Vaccination not only protects mothers from these potentially deadly infections but also creates immunity that extends to the developing fetus. Contrary to concerns, these immunisations have proven safe for pregnant women, with negligible risks compared to the severe consequences of infection.
Aina stressed the need for a collective effort to inform every pregnant woman about the risks associated with tetanus and diphtheria and the importance of seeking immunisation. Timely vaccination is a key preventive measure to prevent heartbreaking losses due to these preventable diseases.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported suspected cases in epi-week 48, 2023, with confirmed cases distributed across states and local government areas. Notably, Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna and Jigawa accounted for the majority of suspected cases. Among confirmed cases, 69.4 per cent were in children aged 1-14 years, with only 26.5 per cent fully vaccinated. The NCDC recorded 554 deaths with a case fatality rate of 4.6 per cent.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC activated a multi-sectoral national Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre and established a National Diphtheria Technical Working Group. Rapid Response Teams were deployed to affected states to support response activities. The agency emphasised the coordination of surveillance, laboratory investigation, risk communication, case management and immunisation activities to address the growing threat.
In conclusion, the urgent recommendation for immunisation against tetanus and diphtheria for pregnant women underscores the commitment to protecting maternal and child health in Nigeria, emphasising the importance of collective efforts and awareness to combat these potentially fatal infections.
