UNICEF raises alarm over Diphtheria outbreak in Imo

The deadly diphtheria outbreak in Imo State has officially claimed ten lives, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report.

UNICEF made the announcement on Friday, June 6, 2025, during a virtual media parley hosted in Owerri, the state capital.

According to source, the outbreak began in Mbutu, a community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, and has spread widely.

UNICEF’s Health Specialist, Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, confirmed the casualties and outlined emergency response efforts underway.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and spreads through respiratory droplets.

It presents symptoms such as sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing due to throat membrane blockage.

Dr. Akinleye said that the ten deaths recorded were preventable, stressing the need for swift medical intervention.

He described the outbreak as a ticking time bomb with potential for national disaster if not quickly contained.

He warned that Aboh Mbaise’s proximity to the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport heightens the risk of wider spread.

UNICEF is collaborating with the Nigerian government to provide medical aid and contain the disease’s transmission.

Efforts include case management, infection control, risk communication, reactive vaccination, and community awareness campaigns.

According to the Imo State Immunisation Officer, Dr. Chibuzo Anyaehie, 4,017 people have already been vaccinated.

She confirmed the affected local government areas include Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri North, and Owerri Municipal.

Dr. Anyaehie added that Imo State has recorded 79 suspected diphtheria cases, with seven already confirmed.

She disclosed that treatment centres have been established at Primary Health Centres in Mbutu and at Aboh General Hospital.

To support the growing need, an additional 70 doses of diphtheria vaccine have been supplied to local health facilities.

She praised the cooperation of health workers who have braved challenges to continue serving the affected communities.

UNICEF’s Communications Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, also participated in the virtual session and addressed media participants.

She appreciated the tireless efforts of health workers from the Imo State Ministry of Health and other responders.

Dr. Onuoha-Ogwe urged journalists to spread accurate and verified information about the outbreak and preventive measures.

She emphasized the media’s role in promoting responsible public health messaging to limit panic and misinformation.

UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Mrs. Rebekah Gabriel, highlighted hygiene as a vital preventive measure.

She urged the public to maintain regular handwashing with clean water and soap to prevent diphtheria spread.

Mrs. Gabriel called for stronger collaborations with traditional leaders and local influencers to drive public sensitisation.

She stressed the importance of grassroots outreach in encouraging community vaccination and hygienic behavior.

UNICEF’s Chief of Enugu Field Office, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, also addressed the media during the briefing.

She thanked journalists for supporting awareness efforts and urged them to continue promoting public health education.

Mrs. Chiluwe said the media must act as critical partners in ensuring information reaches every household in Imo.

She called for continuous surveillance and vaccine distribution to contain any possible future flare-ups.

Medical experts warn that without full containment, the outbreak could spread beyond Imo State to neighboring regions.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is expected to release more vaccines in the coming days.

Local health authorities have dispatched mobile teams to track, report, and manage new suspected cases.

Residents are being urged to cooperate with health officials and report symptoms at the nearest clinic immediately.

Symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, difficulty breathing, and swollen neck glands must not be ignored.

UNICEF insists the disease is preventable with proper immunisation and timely medical attention.

Community leaders have been asked to support door-to-door campaigns and help facilitate vaccination drives.

Public health educators are working in churches, schools, and markets to sensitise people about the diphtheria threat.

There is rising concern about access to health services in rural areas where outbreak monitoring is limited.

Efforts are ongoing to increase testing, improve case tracing, and distribute more vaccines to rural communities.

UNICEF has pledged to continue supporting Nigeria’s diphtheria response with resources, expertise, and logistical backing.

The agency urged the federal and state governments to declare diphtheria a health emergency if cases keep rising.

Public cooperation remains crucial as the government and international partners race to prevent further loss of life.

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