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Over 1,300 Diphtheria Deaths Recorded As Vaccination Gaps Persist – NCDC

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says 1,319 deaths have been recorded in the country’s ongoing diphtheria outbreak.

The NCDC said this in its latest situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) published on Sunday via its official website.

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Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

It typically affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, where the bacterium produce a toxin that can lead to complications such as breathing difficulties, heart failure or nerve damage.

Vaccination is the primary means of prevention, and early treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is crucial for managing the disease.

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The NCDC said that over 42,000 suspected cases had been reported across 37 states since 2022.

READ ALSO: NCDC Confirms 80 Deaths From 413 Lassa Fever Cases In 11 States

“The report covered Epidemiological Week 10 of 2025.

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“It highlighted persistent challenges in tackling the disease, including low vaccination coverage, inadequate laboratory capacity and delayed case confirmation,” it said.

According to the NCDC, Kano State accounts for 75 per cent of confirmed cases, with 18,108 out of 25,812.

Other high-burden states include Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,408) and Katsina (1,501).

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The public health agency said that the case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 5.1 per cent, meaning one in every 20 confirmed cases results in death.

“In some states, the mortality rate is even higher.

“Kaduna recorded the per cent, Plateau has 48 per cent, Lagos has 83 per cent and Adamawa has 80 per cent,” it said.

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In the latest reporting week, the agency said that 23 new suspected cases were reported – 20 in Lagos and three in Katsina.

It, however, said that none has been confirmed yet, with 56.5 per cent of cases still unclassified due to delays in laboratory confirmation.

READ ALSO: NCDC Records 54 New Suspected Mpox Cases In 25 States

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The NCDC said the Federal Government had launched reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden states and intensified community engagement with traditional and religious leaders.

Public health experts have warned that late diagnosis and poor access to treatment may be contributing to these high fatality rates.

Despite Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), the report revealed that only 4,981 (19.3 per cent) of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.

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According to Dr Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, the numbers indicate a critical gap in routine immunisation coverage, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Chollom emphasised the need for urgent mass vaccination campaigns, particularly targeting children aged one year to 14 years, who make up 62.9 per cent of confirmed cases.

He said that another alarming finding was Nigeria’s limited testing capacity.

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“In 2024, all cases were confirmed based on clinical symptoms rather than laboratory testing, indicating shortages of reagents and PCR capacity for diphtheria diagnosis.

“This raises concerns about the actual burden of the disease.

READ ALSO: Throat Disease: NCDC Calls For Vigilance As Lagos, 3 Others Record Cases

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Without widespread testing, we could be underreporting or misdiagnosing cases,” he said.

Recalls that the government has promised to improve laboratory capacity and optimise protocols for PCR testing, but implementation has been slow.

Experts advised that there is the need for a nationwide diphtheria vaccination drive, improved disease surveillance and a steady supply of diagnostic materials.

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With Nigeria facing one of its worst diphtheria outbreaks in decades, health officials warn that without improved vaccination and surveillance efforts the situation could worsen.

The government has outlined certain steps to be taken.

They include increasing case management support and data harmonisation across affected states and improving laboratory diagnosis through PCR testing on clinical samples.

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Others are and expanding vaccination coverage to close immunity gaps, particularly among children and strengthening public awareness campaigns through social media and community engagement.

Public health experts say preventive vaccination remains the best defence for now, urging parents to ensure that their children receive routine immunisations

 

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NAS Offers Free Medical Services To Over 800 Residents In Imo Community

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National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has provided free medical services to more than 800 residents of the Orogwe community in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State as part of the association’s humanitarian service.

The medical mission, held at the National Primary Healthcare Centre, was part of the association’s 49th National Konverge and Annual General Meeting in Owerri.

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The event offered diagnosis, treatment, and essential medications to hundreds of community members, many of whom had been unable to access healthcare due to financial hardship.

NAS Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, said the initiative was part of the confraternity’s broader vision to support vulnerable communities and bring healthcare directly to those most in need.

“This programme targets those who ordinarily cannot afford basic healthcare, especially treatment for non-communicable diseases,” Oteri said.

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READ ALSO: Seadogs Champions Social Justice Through Inaugural Art Exhibition In Owerri

“Today, we attended to a child with a serious condition. Thankfully, we had a paediatrician on the ground who stabilised her and referred her to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. We’ve also identified a few cases that will require surgery, and we plan to support their hospital bills.”

He emphasised that NAS, formed in 1952 by seven young idealists including Imo-born Ralph Opara, has evolved into a formidable force for social advocacy, committed to humanitarian and civic interventions.

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Dispelling common misconceptions about the association, Oteri said: “We are not a cult group. We exist to protect the downtrodden and drive positive societal change.”

The association’s Chief Programme Officer, Chief Bart Akelemor, echoed this commitment, stressing that the NAS legacy is one of access, equity, and community service.

“Our mission is to promote a just society where citizens can access resources such as healthcare, education, and employment,” Akelemor said.

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READ ALSO: Seadogs Want FG Declares State Of Emergency On Kidnapping As Insecurity Worsens Nationwide

“With Nigeria’s growing population and the acute shortage of doctors and functioning medical facilities in rural areas, bringing this medical outreach to Orogwe is both timely and necessary.”

According to him, 41 volunteer doctors, drawn from across Nigeria and the diaspora, participated in the programme, attending to hundreds of patients with ailments ranging from malaria and hypertension to vision and dental issues.

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One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Chizoba Igwe, who received treatment for malaria, described the initiative as a “life-saving intervention.”

With the way things are in the country now, I couldn’t afford hospital bills or medication,” she said.

“This free treatment is a big relief. Many people here share the same feeling.”

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READ ALSO: Seadogs Pyrates Provide Free Medical Services To Benin Residents

Another resident, Mrs Mmesoma Njoku, received medicated glasses after undergoing an eye test.

“I’ve been struggling with my sight for a while, but couldn’t go to the hospital because of money. Today, I not only got tested, but they gave me glasses that now help me read tiny print. I am truly grateful,” she said.

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NAS Medical Pyrate, Dr Chiazor Odoemene, confirmed that over 800 residents were treated during the outreach, with critical cases referred to public hospitals for further management.

Beyond healthcare, the association also launched an arts exhibition aimed at promoting awareness around good governance, security, poverty alleviation, and Nigeria’s path to a more prosperous future.

The medical outreach has been lauded as a meaningful complement to the efforts of the Imo State Government in improving healthcare access and delivery, particularly in underserved areas.

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2027: Otuaro Urges N’Delta Youth To Resist Politicians’ Ploy To Destabilise Region

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Dr. Dennis Otuaro

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has warned ex-agitators in the Niger Delta to resist being manipulated by desperate politicians plotting to destabilise peace in the Niger Delta, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of a three-day strategic Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation training organised by the PAP in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, Otuaro expressed concern over the recent rise in politically-charged rhetoric and some politicians’ coordinated attempt to pit ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme against the Federal Government.

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In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, on Sunday, he added that such moves were “reckless and unnecessary,” especially in light of President Bola Tinubu’s demonstrable commitment to the region.

READ ALSO:Otuaro Lauds President Yar’Adua For Establishing Presidential Amnesty Programme

There is no basis for anyone to cause destabilisation. We can all see the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Ex-agitators and beneficiaries in general should not be deceived and distracted by some politicians,” Otuaro told the ex-agitators and stakeholders.

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He cautioned that any calls for confrontation or disaffection at this time were “not only misplaced but also harmful to the gains we have recorded,” urging stakeholders to focus on peace, stability, and progress in the region.

According to Otuaro, the Tinubu administration has backed its support with tangible action.

Be assured that nobody will do it better than President Tinubu. As Niger Delta people, we have to thank the President for his genuine love for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and our region as a whole.

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READ ALSO:Group Urges Public To Disregard Reports Of Rift Between Otuaro And King Ateke

“The President has expanded the budget of the programme, allowing us to reach more beneficiaries and strengthen our reintegration and rehabilitation initiatives,” he stated.

He also pointed out that the inclusion of Niger Delta citizens in key federal positions was further evidence of Tinubu’s goodwill.

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Furthermore, Niger Deltans have been appointed to strategic positions in key ministries and agencies. This level of inclusion is unprecedented and deserves acknowledgement. All we need to do is to be united for the President,” Otuaro declared.

The PAP boss, who presented certificates to participants of the training and later hosted them at a reception at the PAP headquarters, reiterated his commitment to sustaining peace and building human capital in the region.

He further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to keep sensitising the youth to reject political manipulation, stating that “Lasting progress can only be achieved through cooperation, not conflict.”

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Afenifere Hails UN For Declaring July 7 World Amotekun Day

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The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Sunday, commended the United Nations following its declaration of July 7 of every year as “World Amotekun Day.”

Afenifere’s position was contained in a statement released by its national publicity secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

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It would be recalled that Amotekun’s formal recognition by the UN was made public last week by the President of the World Peace, Ambassador Peer Stafsen, while presenting the certificate of affiliation to the Commandant of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, in Akure, the state capital.

Represented by the Director of Information and Communications of the association, Ambassador Markwili Mgbara, Stafsen said the recognition was due to the activities of Amotekun corps in “promoting safety and protecting lives and property across Nigeria’s South-West region.”

The affiliation certificate was issued under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the International Association of World Peace Advocacy.

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READ ALSO:Osun Amotekun Arrest Three Over ₦4.5m Steel Theft, Others For Burglary

Afenifere’s statement said the recognition of Amotekun by the UN was unprecedented in this part of the globe.

“Amotekun’s invitation to attend meetings of the body’s affiliates on security and human rights is a big morale booster.

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“It is also a testament that those who brought it about and have been sustaining it were exemplary, as further attested to by some states in Nigeria who have shown interest in replicating the concept in their respective areas.

“The World Peace is part of the global body, the UN. Ondo State is significant on the issue of Amotekun as its former Governor, late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), was pivotal in the establishment of the corps.

READ ALSO: Amotekun Arrests Suspected Drug Kingpin In Ogun

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With this recognition, the South-West Security Network (Amotekun) will now be officially attending the United Nations’ annual general meeting starting with the one coming up in New York, United States of America, on September 22, 2025, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the global body,” the statement partly read.

Afenifere said the certification of the security outfit confirmed the affiliation of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps as a trained security unit recognised by the UN.

Ajayi also lauded the late former Governor Akeredolu, who, along with his fellow governors in the South-West, then were steadfast in ensuring that the security outfit took off and was sustained, in spite of the obstacles placed on its ways in various guises.

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Amotekun was launched on January 9, 2020, in Ibadan, Oyo State, by the governors of the South West, i.e. Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States.

READ ALSO:My Wife Arrested Me With Amotekun ‘For Owing Bank N500,000’ —Husband

The establishment of the security outfit emanated from the regional security summit that took place in Ibadan in June 2019 under the auspices of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission,” Ajayi stated.

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Afenifere’s spokesperson submitted that the formal invitation to attend annual security meeting is a clear indication that the establishment of the outfit was a very good step to take.

He recalled that Amotekun, in its early formation, faced a lot of avoidable challenges, especially from the Federal Government then led by the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

READ ALSO:Protest In Osun Over Alleged Amotekun’s Arrest, Detention Of Community Chiefs

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Ajayi praised the governors in the region for not succumbing to intimidation then.

In his words, “Their not succumbing to intimidation has helped greatly in checking crimes in the region and in reducing the menace of armed bandits, including unscrupulous Fulani herders who are making going to farms perilous.”

The national publicity secretary then called on the governments of the southwestern states to leverage on the latest international recognition.

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We seize this opportunity to also call for an expeditious action on the establishment of state police and the provision of all that is needed to ensure that crime and banditry are reduced to the barest minimum,” he added.

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