In a bid to address the alarming outbreak of DIPHTHERIA cases in Nigeria, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has rolled out an extensive response plan to detect cases early, contain the spread, and prevent further transmission through a multi-phased strategy.

Its Executive Director/CEO Dr. Faisal Shuaib, while briefing newsmen yesterday, said the agency will be leveraging surveillance data from the NCDC and get direct information from the states, to ensure effective planning and resource deployment.

Speaking on the reported cases recorded so far, he noted that the outbreak has seen an estimated 2,455 suspected cases reported in 26 states, from May 2022 to July 2023, and urged Nigerians to ensure Proper Vaccination.

In his remarks, the WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo revealed plans are underway to deliver 1,800 vials of Diphtheria Anti-toxin to Nigeria on August 2, 2023, and noted that the organization is actively supporting the search for cases, establishing decentralized isolation centers, and facilitating referrals.