Minister: 98% of Kids with Diphtheria in 19 States Unvaccinated

The Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has brought to light a concerning statistic, revealing that an overwhelming 98% of reported diphtheria cases among children in 19 states have affected those who were not vaccinated. This revelation came during an address by the Health Minister, Muhammad Pate, at the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery (NTLC) Quarterly Review Meeting in Abuja.

The NTLC meeting, organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), serves as a vital platform for engaging traditional leaders on their crucial roles in enhancing primary healthcare delivery within their communities.

Minister Pate, in response to the alarming diphtheria statistics, has called for an urgent and comprehensive vaccination campaign. He emphasized the need for collective action among the 19 states to safeguard the lives of vulnerable children and tackle the persisting diphtheria challenge, which has been a cause for concern for several months.

“This collaborative effort is aimed at improving local governance and enhancing the delivery of essential services. It involves the active participation of leaders at all levels, including traditional leaders and representatives from the private sector, to address the pressing diphtheria issue affecting our people,” Minister Pate stated.

While asserting that the focus is on differentiating between good and evil rather than religious affiliations, the minister assured that efforts were underway to ensure that the diphtheria challenge does not persist.

Minister Pate also shared a significant milestone in the upcoming launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Nigeria scheduled for later in October. He highlighted that the vaccine aims not only to prevent cervical cancer but also underscores the importance of engaging traditional leaders and strengthening the health system for efficient vaccine delivery.

“The collaborative approach taken by state governments and other stakeholders sets an example, not only within the sub-region but also on a wider scale. This united front signifies a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing health challenge and paves the way for a more coordinated and effective response,” Minister Pate expressed optimistically.

Expressing gratitude to traditional leaders for their longstanding support of public health initiatives, Minister Pate credited them with the successful fight against the wild poliovirus in Nigeria. He acknowledged their crucial role, stating, “The fact that we don’t have children paralyzed by the wild poliovirus now is thanks to your leadership and the commitment of more than 100,000 traditional leaders.”

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, used the platform to appeal for peace and unity among Nigerians. He also called on the global community to pray for Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of worldwide harmony for purposeful development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of NTLC, Sama’ila Mera, highlighted the significance of the meeting as an opportunity to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and chart a course for the future. He acknowledged the complex challenges faced by the healthcare sector but expressed confidence that with collective efforts and strategic partnerships, these challenges could be overcome, leading to a healthier and more prosperous nation.

Mr. Mera anticipated that the discussions and deliberations of the meeting would be fruitful, resulting in concrete actions to further enhance the delivery of services by primary health centers in the northern region.