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In a recent press briefing held in Abuja, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed alarming statistics regarding various disease outbreaks plaguing the nation. Dr. Idris emphasized that alongside the ongoing battle against Lassa Fever, Nigeria is grappling with other deadly outbreaks, including diphtheria, measles, meningitis, and cholera.
Between 2022 and 2024, these outbreaks have collectively claimed the lives of 711 individuals across the country. Dr. Idris revealed that since October 2023, Nigeria has recorded 507 cases of meningitis, resulting in 63 fatalities. Similarly, there have been 16,248 reported cases of diphtheria since 2022, with 646 resulting in death. Shockingly, within the first five weeks of 2024 alone, Nigeria has seen 516 confirmed cases of measles, leading to two tragic deaths.
Expressing grave concern over the escalating crisis, Dr. Idris emphasized the unacceptable nature of these statistics, asserting that safeguarding public health is a shared responsibility. He called upon all citizens to take proactive measures to combat the spread of these diseases, stressing the importance of collective action in addressing this pressing issue.
Despite the grim situation, Dr. Idris extended gratitude to state governments, healthcare workers, and various stakeholders for their efforts in responding to the outbreaks. He commended their dedication and urged continued collaboration in tackling the health crisis. Dr. Idris reaffirmed the NCDC’s commitment to supporting affected states and emphasized the critical role of positive health behaviors in mitigating the impact of these outbreaks.
