The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), on Monday, confirmed that 117 youngsters died following the diphtheria outbreak in Yobe since 2022.
The company, nonetheless, mentioned that 1,600 youngsters had recovered from the illness inside the interval below evaluate.
Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive-Director of the Agency, said this throughout an inspection go to to the diphtheria isolation centre in Potiskum, the epicentre of the illness within the state.
He mentioned that 1,796 cases of the illness had been reported in Yobe since November 22, including that the illness was extra prevalent amongst youngsters age 5 to 14 years.
Shuaib, who led the Diphtheria Emergency Task Team to the state, expressed satisfaction with diphtheria vaccination carried out in Potiskum and 17 different native authorities areas of the state.
“By October 12, more vulnerable kids will be provided with vaccines to curtail the disease. Vaccines are powerful, they are safe and they work.
“Diphtheria is a disease of ancient times; with vaccination, deaths are preventable,” he mentioned.
He famous that low vaccination charges have been answerable for the latest outbreak of the illness throughout the nation.
“In 2016 and 2017; MICS NICS survey, an independent survey of National Bureau of Statistics, indicated that only 33 per cent of Nigerians were covered by vaccinations.
“Due to concerted efforts by the Federal Government and development partners, the figure rose to 70 per cent in 2019.
“But the outbreak of COVID-19 which prevented many people from taking their children for vaccination due to lockdown and fear of contracting COVID-19, there was a deep in coverage down to 57 per cent,” he mentioned.
Shuaib mentioned that enchancment in environmental and private hygiene would remove the illness despite Yobe being second solely to Kano State in cases of diphtheria throughout the nation.
The NPHCDA boss counseled the Yobe authorities and growth companions for his or her roles in tackling diphtheria and pledged continued assist to allow the state to enhance healthcare service supply.
He confused the necessity for an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for efficient monitoring, referral and administration of diphtheria cases.
