Following the outbreak of Diphtheria at King’s College, Lagos, the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to launch an immediate nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign in schools The lawmakers’ resolution came after a motion of urgent public importance was presented by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, during plenary on Wednesday. The motion highlighted the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalisation of several others, raising concerns over infection control in federal unity colleges. Citing data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Rotimi noted that 24,804 confirmed cases had been recorded across 25 states since 2022, resulting in 1,269 deaths.
In response, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the NCDC to ramp up vaccination and public awareness campaigns in schools to prevent further outbreaks. Lawmakers also tasked the Federal Ministry of Education with reviewing health Infrastructure in unity colleges and establishing a clear response framework for infectious disease outbreaks. Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Health and Basic Education to engage with relevant agencies to strengthen infection prevention and emergency response measures in federal schools.
Lawmakers commend Lagos amid concerns over disease prevention.
Moreover, the House urged the Federal Government to provide compensation to the late student’s family, recognising the tragic loss and the responsibility of federal institutions to ensure the safety of students. Lawmakers commended the Lagos State Government for its swift intervention, including isolating affected students, activating an Emergency Operations Committee, and launching a mass vaccination drive. They also recognised and praised the ongoing efforts of the NCDC and the NPHCDA in combating the disease.
Furthermore, this development has reignited concerns over Nigeria’s broader response to public health, particularly in managing vaccine-preventable diseases. Diphtheria, a bacterial infection that can cause severe respiratory complications, has resurfaced in recent years despite the availability of vaccines. Experts have attributed this to low immunisation coverage, gaps in routine childhood vaccinations, and insufficient public awareness. The outbreak at King’s College underscores the need for a more effective and proactive approach to disease prevention in schools nationwide.
Prevention goes beyond periodic vaccination campaigns.
Beyond the immediate response, there are growing calls for a long-term strategy to strengthen the immunisation system in Nigeria. Public Health advocates argue that periodic vaccination campaigns, while effective in containing outbreaks, are not enough to prevent crises in the future. They stress the importance of sustained Investment in primary healthcare, improved vaccine logistics, and Community Engagement to address vaccine hesitancy. Strengthening routine immunisation would reduce the likelihood of such outbreaks, ensuring greater protection for schoolchildren.
In addition, the incident at King’s College also raises questions about infection control standards in schools, particularly those managed by the Federal Government. Many unity colleges face infrastructural and funding challenges, making them ill-equipped to handle health emergencies. Stakeholders have urged the Ministry of Education to prioritise the establishment of health units in schools, implement regular health screenings, and ensure the availability of trained medical personnel. Without these measures, students remain vulnerable to outbreaks of preventable diseases.
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As the Federal Government moves to contain the spread of diphtheria, its response will be closely watched. While vaccination campaigns and emergency interventions are necessary, experts argue that systemic reforms are needed to prevent similar crises in the future. The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to bolster Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, particularly in schools, where children are most at risk. Without sustained improvements in immunisation coverage, disease surveillance, and school health policies, preventable outbreaks may persist.