Another grave public health concern has emerged within the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, in the Zaria local government area of Kaduna State, with the resurgence of diphtheria, a disease many believed had been largely eradicated, but recently claimed two lives.
The resurgence and death of two children were disclosed by a community leader in the affected area and a director in the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Abdulazeez Suleiman, who raised the alarm regarding the alarming development.
In a write-up, he titled an urgent call to address the resurgence of diphtheria in Zaria, lamented that the recent tragic loss of two children within just 48 hours, exhibiting symptoms such as sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and debilitating weakness, underscores the urgent need for a coordinated health response.
Diphtheria, a bacterial infection primarily affecting the throat and nose, poses significant risks, including respiratory failure and heart damage. Once a common childhood illness, the introduction of widespread vaccination programs in the mid-20th century drastically reduced its prevalence.
However, he said, “The outbreak in Tukur-Tukur serves as a reminder of the fragility of our public health achievements. Just months ago, our community faced a similar crisis that claimed four lives before health officials, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, intervened to control the spread.
“The recurrence of diphtheria in Tukur-Tukur raises critical questions about our public health infrastructure, vaccination coverage, and community awareness. The cyclical nature of such outbreaks often unveils underlying systemic issues, including inadequate access to healthcare, vaccine hesitancy, and insufficient community engagement”.
He averred that parents’ cooperation with health workers is paramount in combating this resurgence, adding that it is essential for parents to recognise the importance of vaccinations and seek immediate medical attention for any symptoms indicative of diphtheria or other communicable diseases.
“The role of health authorities in this scenario cannot be overstated. A swift and robust response is imperative to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life. Mobilising healthcare professionals to Tukur-Tukur must be prioritised, ensuring vaccinations are administered, public awareness campaigns are launched, and treatment facilities are adequately equipped to handle potential cases”.
He further advocated collaboration between local health officials, international organisations such as the WHO and UNICEF, and community leaders as a vital force for an effective response.
“In addressing the current crisis, fostering a culture of health literacy within our communities is essential. Educational initiatives to inform parents about the dangers of diphtheria, the significance of vaccination, and the need for prompt medical intervention can empower individuals to take charge of their health and that of their children. Engaging community leaders, teachers, and local organisations in these efforts can amplify the reach and impact of health messages, creating a united front against the resurgence of diseases that threaten the well-being of our children”.
He further posited that the government must invest in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas, which includes ensuring the availability of vaccines and enhancing the capacity of healthcare facilities to manage outbreaks effectively. He stated that training healthcare workers in recognising and treating diphtheria and establishing surveillance systems to monitor disease trends is vital for early detection and response.
