The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the development as a serious public health warning, urging authorities to act quickly to prevent the outbreak from spreading further.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Andrew Mamedu said the reported deaths should prompt an immediate and coordinated response from health authorities.
“We are deeply concerned about the confirmed diphtheria cases in the FCT, especially the deaths of two children. This is a serious public health warning and requires a rapid response,” he said.
He called on the government to intensify efforts to contain the disease, particularly through contact tracing, testing, vaccination and surveillance in affected communities and schools.
According to him, health facilities should also be adequately prepared to identify and treat suspected cases promptly, with appropriate medicines and referral systems available.
“Authorities must intensify contact tracing, testing, vaccination and surveillance, especially in affected communities and schools. Health facilities must also be equipped to identify and treat suspected cases quickly, with the right medicines and referral systems available,” Dr. Andrew Mamedu said.
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Warning Against Dangerous Home Treatment
Dr Andrew Mamedu also raised concern over reports linking one of the deaths to an attempt to remove the membrane associated with diphtheria from the throat.
He warned members of the public against attempting potentially dangerous home treatments, stressing that suspected cases should be taken to a qualified health facility immediately.
“People must not attempt dangerous home treatment. Suspected cases should be taken immediately to a qualified health facility,” he cautioned.
While urging residents not to panic, the ActionAid Nigeria Country Director said diphtheria should not be taken lightly, noting that the disease can be prevented through vaccination and treated when detected early.
He encouraged parents and caregivers to check their children’s immunisation records and visit a health centre if they are uncertain about their vaccination status.
Mamedu further advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, neck swelling, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing to seek medical attention immediately.
Call For Equitable Access To Vaccination And Treatment
The ActionAid Nigeria Country Director also stressed the need for government to ensure that vaccination, diagnosis and treatment services reach poor and underserved communities.
“A family’s income or where they live should not determine whether their child survives a preventable disease,” he said.
He said the outbreak should also serve as a reminder of the importance of strengthening routine immunisation and primary healthcare services rather than waiting until disease outbreaks occur before taking action.
“For us at ActionAid Nigeria, the lesson is clear: prevention, routine immunisation and strong primary healthcare must remain a priority, not only when an outbreak occurs,” Mamedu added.
With two children already reported dead, the call for swift action highlights the need for residents, parents, health workers and authorities to remain vigilant and respond promptly to suspected cases.
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