The urgent nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign in schools is a critical call to action by the House of Representatives to combat the spread of this deadly bacterial infection. This resolution comes in response to a motion of urgent public importance moved by House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, during a recent plenary session.
Rotimi’s motion, titled “The Outbreak of Diphtheria in King’s College, Lagos,” sheds light on the pressing need for swift government intervention following the tragic death of a 12-year-old student from the disease, along with several others being hospitalized. The gravity of the situation is underscored by data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s Weekly Diphtheria Situation Report of January 26, 2025, which revealed a staggering 24,804 confirmed cases across 25 states since 2022, resulting in 1,269 deaths in 18 states.
Expressing deep concern over the rising cases of diphtheria, Rotimi emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Ministry of Education to prioritize student safety by implementing robust infection prevention and control measures in federal unity colleges. He also lauded the prompt response of the Lagos State Government in isolating affected students, mobilizing an Emergency Operations Committee, and launching a mass vaccination campaign to contain the outbreak.
Swift Government Action
In the wake of the motion’s adoption, the House of Representatives issued directives to key health agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the NCDC, to escalate vaccination efforts and public awareness campaigns in schools to stave off further outbreaks. Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Education was tasked with conducting a thorough review of health infrastructure in unity colleges and establishing a comprehensive response framework for infectious disease outbreaks.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the NCDC and NPHCDA in battling diphtheria, the House also mandated its Committees on Health and Basic Education to collaborate with relevant agencies in fortifying infection prevention and emergency response protocols in federal schools. This multi-pronged approach aims to enhance preparedness and minimize the risk of future outbreaks in educational institutions.
Humanitarian Gesture
Furthermore, the House underscored the importance of providing support to the family of the deceased student by urging the Federal Government to offer compensation as a gesture of compassion and acknowledgment of the duty of care owed to students in federal institutions. This compassionate gesture recognizes the profound impact of the loss and underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of students nationwide.
By shining a spotlight on the pressing need for immediate action to address the diphtheria crisis in schools, the House of Representatives has demonstrated a proactive stance in safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of students. As the nation grapples with the challenges posed by infectious diseases, collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare professionals, and educational institutions are vital in preventing future outbreaks and protecting the welfare of the populace.