The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stepped up surveillance, vaccination, and community outreach in Karshi after diphtheria cases were confirmed there.
The administration said these actions aim to find suspected cases early, monitor close contacts, and reach out to children who have not been vaccinated or are partially vaccinated.
On Thursday, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Adedolapo Fasawe, shared this information during a community engagement and vaccination campaign in Karshi, Abuja.
In her speech, Ms Fasawe mentioned that vaccination teams are now in key areas, including Angwan Kokosa and nearby communities.
She said these teams are working with traditional and religious leaders, schools, health facilities, town announcers, and other community members to spot suspected cases, check vaccination status, and reach children who missed routine immunisation.
Ms Fasawe explained that a special Incident Management Team was set up after a diphtheria case was confirmed in the lab.
She added that the response includes searching for active cases, identifying and monitoring close contacts, giving preventive antibiotics to eligible household contacts, conducting lab tests, and training healthcare workers on early detection, infection control, and timely reporting.
As of the end of last week, she said 15 suspected cases had been looked into in the FCT.
"As of the end of last week, the FCT had investigated 15 suspected cases. Five were confirmed in the lab, while 10 were dismissed after investigation. Sadly, two deaths were reported among the confirmed cases," she stated.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that mainly affects the nose and throat. If not treated early, it can cause breathing problems and other serious issues.
Ms Fasawe urged anyone showing symptoms like fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or swelling in the neck to see a doctor immediately.
She warned against touching, scraping, or trying to remove any membrane that might form in the throat. Doing so could lead to severe bleeding, shock, or even death.
Regarding the vaccination campaign, Ms Fasawe said priority would go to children who have never been vaccinated and those who have not received all their doses.
She encouraged parents and caregivers to check their children's vaccination cards and visit the nearest primary healthcare centre if they are unsure about their vaccination status.
"Even if the vaccination card is missing, please do not stay away. Our health workers will check the child's vaccination status and help you accordingly," she added.
Additionally, she called for stronger community involvement to fight misinformation and ensure accurate information reaches families, schools, markets, places of worship, and motor parks.
She stressed that vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent diphtheria and urged everyone to cooperate with health officials.
Ms Fasawe also asked public and private health facilities to stay alert for diphtheria, isolate suspected cases, and inform disease surveillance officials right away.
She explained that private hospitals treating suspected cases should refer patients to the nearest secondary health facility after proper assessment and stabilisation, while also notifying the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer.
According to her, timely reporting helps health authorities track the spread and respond quickly to new cases.
She called on parents, caregivers, community and religious leaders, teachers, school owners, and community groups to support the response efforts.
The Acting Permanent Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Ghali Kassim, stated that Karshi was chosen for this intervention due to a confirmed case and the need to stop further spread.
Mr Kassim described diphtheria as a dangerous but preventable disease, urging residents to work with health officials.
Nuhu Usman, the Supervisory Councillor for Health in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), who stood in for the council chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, said the council is focused on the health and well-being of the people.
Mr Usman noted that the campaign started after a diphtheria case was confirmed in the Kpokosa community, adding that active case searches and immunisation efforts are already in progress.
He assured the FCTA and health officials of the council’s support for surveillance, reporting of suspected cases, and vaccination activities.
The Hakimi of Karshi, Alhaji Doka, representing the Emir of Karshi, Alhaji Ismail Mohammed, also promised support from traditional leaders.
He urged residents to take good care of their children and report any suspected cases to health officials without delay.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has also offered technical support for the FCT's response.
Hannatu Bello, a member of the Risk Communication Committee from the NCDC, said the agency is there to help with surveillance, detection, and response efforts.
Ms Bello mentioned that the NCDC is in Karshi to provide technical assistance and help residents learn about diphtheria and how to prevent it.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) representative, Imabong Adebayo, stated that diphtheria can be prevented through vaccination. She urged traditional and religious leaders to help improve vaccine uptake in their communities.
Ms Adebayo noted that several diphtheria cases have been recorded in the area this year, which is why the campaign is necessary.
She said vaccines are free, safe, and available for children, encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure eligible children get their routine vaccinations.
Ms Adebayo assured the FCT of WHO’s continued technical and field support for the response.
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