In response to the growing threat of diphtheria in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has urged relevant Federal Government agencies to implement a nationwide mandatory immunisation, testing, and treatment campaign across all 774 local government areas.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at Wednesday’s plenary, sponsored by Bitrus Laori, who represents Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency in Adamawa State.
Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species, has re-emerged as a major public health challenge. Since the first outbreak in Borno State in 2011, which resulted in 21 deaths, the disease has continued to pose significant risks, especially to Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.
The infection primarily affects the nose, throat, and skin, and in severe cases, the heart. It spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and in overcrowded, unsanitary environments putting children and immunocompromised individuals at greatest risk.
While presenting the motion, Laori, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, noted that diphtheria remains prevalent in African countries largely due to low vaccination rates. In contrast, countries such as the United States and those in Europe have virtually eliminated the disease through widespread immunisation.
He warned that unvaccinated individuals especially those who travel or interact with infected persons are at high risk of contracting the disease.
The motion received strong bipartisan support during the session, which was presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Following its adoption, the House called on the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to urgently carry out mandatory diphtheria immunisation, testing, and treatment across all healthcare centres nationwide.
In addition, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was urged to launch comprehensive public sensitisation campaigns to educate citizens about the symptoms, risks, and prevention of diphtheria.
The House also directed its Committee on Health and Health Institutions to evaluate compliance with the immunisation directive, assess the capacity of healthcare facilities to respond to the outbreak, and submit a detailed report within four weeks for further legislative consideration.
