Diphtheria Outbreak: ActionAid expresses concern over death of 2 children in FCT

urges parents to check children’s immunisation status, confirm from health facilities

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- FOLLOWING the confirmed outbreak of diphtheria in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, leading to the death of two children, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, Friday, expressed concern over the development.

The Country Director, AAN, Dr Andrew Mamedu, speaking with Vanguard described the deaths as a serious public health warning.

Mamedu said, ” We are deeply concerned about the confirmed diphtheria cases in the FCT, especially the deaths of two children. This is a serious public-health warning and requires a rapid response.

He urged the government to move fast to salvage the situation from getting out of hand by deploying all means to ensure the spread is contained.

“Authorities must intensify contact tracing, testing, vaccination and surveillance, especially in affected communities and schools. Health facilities must also be equipped to identify and treat suspected cases quickly, with the right medicines and referral systems available”, he said.

However, he advised that people should not take dangerous measures to treat the disease, as he said, “The reported death linked to attempts to remove the membrane in the throat is particularly troubling. People must not attempt dangerous home treatment. Suspected cases should be taken immediately to a qualified health facility.”

Meanwhile, the AAN boss called on the FCT residents and Nigerians not to panic, but to “not take diphtheria lightly”, saying, “It is preventable through vaccination and treatable when detected early.”

He also urged parents to check their children’s immunisation status and visit the nearest health centre if they are unsure.

“Anyone with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, neck swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing should seek medical attention immediately.

“Government must also ensure that vaccination and treatment reach poor and underserved communities. A family’s income or where they live should not determine whether their child survives a preventable disease.

“For us at ActionAid Nigeria, the lesson is clear: prevention, routine immunisation and strong primary healthcare must remain a priority, not only when an outbreak occurs”, he added.