RAYMOND OZOJI reports
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced preventive measures against diphtheria following reports of the spread of the infectious disease in some parts of Nigeria.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who directed the sensitisation exercise, said it was necessary to educate residents about the disease and its prevention before it becomes a challenge in the state.
The Director of Public Health and Disease Control in the ministry, Dr Afam Anaeme, who conveyed the Commissioner’s message, said the state had received information through its disease surveillance system about the ongoing spread of diphtheria in parts of the country.
According to him, the reports should not create panic among residents, as there was no confirmed case of diphtheria in Anambra State as of the time of the briefing. He said the ministry was instead taking early preventive action to ensure that residents were adequately informed and protected.
Anaeme described diphtheria as a serious bacterial infection caused mainly by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person when coughing, sneezing or laughing. He added that close contact with an infected person could also lead to transmission.
He said the disease could affect the respiratory system and cause symptoms such as sore throat, mild fever, weakness, swollen neck and difficulty in swallowing or breathing. In severe cases, he said, diphtheria could affect the heart, kidneys and nerves.
The director emphasised the importance of childhood immunisation in preventing the disease, noting that diphtheria protection is included in the pentavalent vaccine given to children at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
He also advised residents to maintain proper hygiene, wash their hands regularly, avoid unnecessary close contact with suspected cases and use face masks where appropriate.
Anaeme said the ministry had already begun using jingles and social media platforms to educate the public, adding that information, education and communication materials containing messages on the symptoms, transmission and prevention of diphtheria were also being deployed.
He disclosed that the ministry was working with state media organisations to further sensitise the public, with experts expected to discuss diphtheria and other respiratory infections on radio and television.
Anaeme said the state would continue to monitor developments and strengthen disease surveillance, stressing that the objective was to ensure that residents were informed and prepared rather than waiting until cases emerged before taking action.
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, saying early reporting, vaccination and adherence to preventive measures remained important in protecting individuals and communities from diphtheria.
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