The Senate has issued a call to action, urging the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to take measures fo curb the spread of diphtheria in Nigeria.
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency were some of the concerned bodies.
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Additionally, the Senate has called on the Federal Government to increase funding for institutions involved in the production and distribution of vaccines to effectively combat communicable diseases in the country.
To address the prevalence of Diphtheria, the Senate has mandated all relevant agencies to conduct a nationwide vaccination campaign.
Furthermore, they have encouraged health agencies to collaborate with Kaduna and neighboring states to intensify contact tracing in order to contain the spread of the disease.
The Senate’s resolutions were prompted by a motion brought forth by Senator Sunday Katung from Kaduna South.
He raised an alarm about the alarming spread of Diphtheria in Kaduna, leading to several deaths in the state and its environs.
Senator Katung highlighted that Diphtheria is an airborne disease that can also be transmitted through fluid exchange, posing a significant health challenge requiring urgent government attention.
According to the Senator, the Kaduna State Government has confirmed 17 deaths and identified 68 suspected cases of Diphtheria as of July 23, 2023.
Ten fatalities were reported in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area, while three children succumbed to the disease in Makarfi Local Government Area, with seven others hospitalized.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious and infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can lead to severe breathing and swallowing difficulties and skin sores.
Given the disease’s contagious nature, urgent and concerted efforts are needed to prevent further spread, especially in rural communities with poor living conditions.
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, representing Abia Central Senatorial, expressed concern about the state of government-controlled hospitals in the country, particularly the National Hospital in Abuja.
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He called for a halt to the “fire brigade” approach to healthcare issues and suggested that the Senate should suspend plenary for a day to visit the National Hospital and assess the deteriorating state and inadequate medical facilities.
The Senate’s call for action underscores the gravity of the Diphtheria outbreak and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat the disease and improve healthcare facilities across Nigeria.
