Diphtheria Outbreak Claims Children’s Lives in Imo, Sparks Urgent Vaccination Drive
A deadly diphtheria outbreak has claimed the lives of several children in Imo State less than a week after it began, prompting swift intervention from health authorities. According to a statement by Godspower Dike, spokesperson for the local government chairman, efforts are underway to contain the outbreak in Aboh Mbaise LGA, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Imo State Ministry of Health, and local health workers.
An isolation centre has been established at Mbutu Health Centre, where exposed children are being quarantined and treated. Chairman Alaribe urged parents to immediately vaccinate their children, stressing that immunisation remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of diphtheria.
Dike also appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with health officials.
This outbreak follows a similar tragedy in early May where two children died from diphtheria in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State.
Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, has been on the rise across Nigeria. As of March 9, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 25,812 confirmed cases and 1,319 deaths from the disease across 26 states and 184 local government areas.
