Geneva, Switzerland//-Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance applauds the recent efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare and the Coordinating Minister, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, in establishing an emergency task force to address the ongoing diphtheria outbreak across several states in Nigeria.
The establishment of a national emergency task force is a critical step towards an effective response and Gavi is committed to playing its role as a member of the task force.
Tokunbo Oshin the Director of High Impact Countries, at Gavi, said: “The gravity of this outbreak requires swift and coordinated action from partners in support of the government’s comprehensive response.
Gavi is actively engaged in the response efforts and has since availed 11.7 million doses of the highly effective pentavalent vaccine, which protects children from 5 life-threatening diseases – diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B and Hib. We remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian government in partnership with all technical and resource partners to support its comprehensive response. Vaccination is a critical preventive measure against this highly infectious disease, so no child must be left at risk.”
Protective measures against Diphtheria
To reduce the risk of diphtheria, the following advice is offered to the public:
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- Parents should ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with the 3 doses of diphtheria antitoxin-containing pentavalent vaccine given as part of Nigeria’s childhood immunisation schedule.
- Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria and practice standard infection prevention and control precautions while handling all patients in their care.
- All healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff etc.) with a high level of exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria.
- Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should promptly present to a healthcare facility or designated diphtheria treatment centres
- Close contact with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored and managed according to guidelines.
- The most effective protection against diphtheria is vaccination with the Pentavalent or TD vaccine. The Federal Government of Nigeria provides free, safe, and effective vaccines at all Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide.
