Atiku Reacts To Diphtheria Outbreak In Nigeria

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the outbreak of Diphtheria in the country.

Diphtheria is a serious infection of the nose and throat caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxins. It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death. However, it can easily be prevented by a vaccine.

Naija News reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed that the disease has spread to over 105 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 18 states of the federation, including the FCT, with 7,202 confirmed cases and 453 deaths.

In a post via his official X handle on Tuesday, Atiku said the news of the outbreak of the infection in eighteen states and 105 local councils is really worrisome, adding that the disease is quickly becoming an epidemic.

The former Vice President urged the federal and state governments and all relevant agencies to step up action to curtail the spread of this disease.

He wrote: “The news of the outbreak of Diphtheria, a dangerous bacterial disease in the country, is worrisome. I am concerned that the media is reporting that the disease has spread to over 105 LGAs across 18 states of the federation, including the FCT, with 7,202 confirmed cases and 453 deaths, mostly of children below the age of 14.

“My heart goes out to the families and parents of the victims of this dreaded disease. I urge the Federal and the State Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, the primary healthcare authorities, and all relevant agencies to step up action to curtail the spread of this disease, which is quickly becoming an epidemic.”