The Federal Government has deployed 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccines to Kano and Katsina states as a part of emergency measures to include an outbreak of the illness.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare disclosed this in a press release issued on Friday, saying the vaccines have been deployed by means of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to help intensified immunisation in affected communities and different areas thought of to be in danger.
According to the ministry, the intervention varieties a part of an emergency response activated by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, aimed toward containing the outbreak and strengthening Nigeria’s general response to diphtheria.
As a part of the response, the Federal Government has additionally arrange a multi-agency emergency activity power comprising the NPHCDA, affected state governments and worldwide well being companions.
The activity power shall be co-chaired by the Director-General of the NCDC and the Director of Public Health. Its membership contains the commissioners of well being from Katsina, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto states, in addition to representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme in Katsina State.
The ministry stated the duty power had been directed to examine the outbreak, strengthen surveillance, and intensify public consciousness and vaccination campaigns, with specific consideration to youngsters who haven’t obtained routine immunisation.
“The response is aimed at closing existing population immunity gaps and preventing further spread of the disease,” the assertion stated.
In addition to the vaccination efforts, the Federal Government stated it was increasing entry to remedy for diphtheria sufferers in Katsina State in collaboration with the state authorities.
It stated plans have been underway to set up remedy annexes in hospitals throughout the state’s three senatorial districts of Katsina, Daura and Funtua.
