Stakeholders intensify diphtheria vaccination campaign in Suleja

Stakeholders have held a meeting on the “Big Catch-Up” vaccination programme at the Field Base Office of the Director of Health in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.

The meeting was organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), UNICEF, the Department of Primary Health Care (DPHCA), traditional leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen immunisation efforts in affected communities.

The stakeholders’ meeting on Monday was convened following the outbreak of diphtheria in Suleja and Bida Local Government Areas, with participants discussing strategies to curb the spread of the disease.

During the meeting, officials of the NOA sensitised participants to diphtheria, its symptoms, health risks and the importance of vaccination in preventing infections and related complications.

Mr Awwal Mohammad, an NOA staff member, explained that common symptoms of diphtheria included sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, weakness, difficulty breathing or swallowing and throat membranes.

According to him, the disease is caused by bacteria that produce toxins capable of damaging vital organs, including the heart, nervous system and kidneys, if untreated.

He warned that diphtheria could become life-threatening without prompt medical intervention and advised anyone experiencing symptoms to seek immediate treatment at the nearest health facility.

Director of Primary Health Care in Suleja Local Government Area, Mr Umar Abdulazeez, said vaccination remained the most effective means of preventing diphtheria and limiting its transmission.

He encouraged residents to participate in the vaccination exercise and urged community leaders to mobilise their people to support ongoing immunisation efforts across affected communities.

Abdulazeez added that the Department of Primary Health Care was also administering vaccines to adults as part of efforts to contain the outbreak and protect residents.