The re‐emergence of diphtheria in Nigeria: Descriptive assessment of the post‐COVID‐19 crisis management

The reasons could be due to misunderstandings about immunizations, religious impact, vaccine failure owing to deprived cold chain, scarcity of vaccines, and materials for immunization. 15 Challenges associated with bureaucratic rule The bureaucratic rule in Nigeria poses a challenge to the re-emergence of diphtheria, where state epidemiologist after getting the report of suspected or confirmed cases, notifies the Ministry of Health responsible for requesting antitoxin from the CDC. According to the National Immunization Coverage Survey (NICS), 3.1 million (14%) children had no or missed vaccinations. Individuals should isolate themselves if show signs, and symptoms indicative of diphtheria, as well as alert the local government area, state disease surveillance officer (DSNO), or the NCDC via a cost-free line (6232). [...]the NCDC recommends individuals in contact with a confirmed case individual must be monitored closely, administering antibiotics as prophylaxis, then placed on diphtheria antitoxin when directed. National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), a disease prevention and immunization agency, collaborates with the NCDC to ensure a quick rise in vaccination coverage. 22 The availability of the DAT is essential for controlling the outbreak; as a result, distribution of the DAT to the affected states has been going on since December 2022, and nationwide routine immunization programs are being strengthened. 23 With the worrying trend, the government requested National States' assistance in scaling up immunizations. 12 CONCLUSION Nigeria is currently facing the re-emergence of vaccine-preventable disease as a result of low vaccine coverage and a problem with vaccine supply and stocking.