Skip to main content

UNICEF Raises Alarm Over Diphtheria Outbreak in Nigeria, Urges Widespread Vaccination


UNICEF Nigeria has sounded the alarm over a diphtheria outbreak in the country that has claimed over 453 lives and led to more than 11,500 suspected cases, with over 7,000 confirmed cases, primarily affecting children.



In a press statement signed by Dr. Rownak Khan, the UNICEF Nigeria Representative, the organization highlighted the pressing need for widespread vaccination to combat the outbreak effectively. To respond to this crisis, UNICEF Nigeria urgently requires an additional $3.3 million in funding by year-end.

The statement emphasized that the majority of cases involve children aged between 4 and 15 years who have not received even a single dose of the essential vaccine, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive vaccination efforts in Nigeria.

UNICEF is actively supporting the Nigerian government's response to the outbreak, with a key component being the procurement of vaccines. To date, UNICEF has supplied 9.3 million doses of diphtheria vaccines to affected states, including Kano, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, and Jigawa. Among these, 4 million doses have been allocated to Kano, which serves as the epicenter of the outbreak. Additionally, UNICEF is procuring another 4 million doses of vaccines that will be handed over to the government in the coming weeks.

Dr. Rownak Khan emphasized the critical importance of vaccination in addressing this diphtheria outbreak, stating, "The devastating impact of this diphtheria outbreak is a grim reminder of the importance of vaccination. Nigeria is home to a staggering 2.2 million children who haven't received even a single dose of vaccine—the second-largest such cohort in the world. We must collectively take urgent actions to drastically reduce this number. Every child deserves protection from preventable diseases. This is not negotiable."

UNICEF Nigeria called upon partners, stakeholders, and the international community to unite in ensuring that every child in Nigeria receives life-saving vaccines. The organization stressed the significance of reinforcing routine immunization, community engagement, and health systems to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pastor W.F. Kumuyi Pioneers AI for the Gospel with "Ask Kumuyi AI" App

 Pastor W.F. Kumuyi Pioneers AI for the Gospel with "Ask Kumuyi AI" App Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, renowned for his leadership and teachings, is now at the forefront of leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for spreading the Gospel. The newly launched Ask Kumuyi AI app, availab le at [askkumuyi.ai] (https://askkumuyi.ai/), features ,138 languages and integrates with WhatsApp, allowing users to access over 5,000 teachings from Dr. Kumuyi’s extensive Bible-based messages. This innovative platform, launched during the Leadership Strategy Congress at DLICC, is set to create a lasting legacy in the digital evangelism space. The app aims to bring the Word of God to a global audience, making Dr. Kumuyi’s teachings more accessible than ever before. In the coming days, the app will include exciting new features, including voice command capabilities, further enhancing the user experience. As the world increasingly faces technological challenges, Ask Kumuyi AI stands as a powerful reminder t...
Post a Comment
Read more

ILGM Tech Report: Google I/O 2025 – 13 Groundbreaking AI Features You Need to Know

 ILGM Tech Report: Google I/O 2025 – A New Era of AI Unveiled At Google I/O 2025, held on May 20–21 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, Google showcased a series of groundbreaking AI advancements, signaling a transformative shift in technology. From real-time visual interactions to sophisticated creative tools, here's an in-depth look at the 13 most remarkable AI features introduced: --- 🎥 Gemini Live: Real-Time Visual Interaction Gemini Live introduces the ability to interact with AI through your device's camera. By pointing your camera at any object, Gemini can provide real-time information and context, enhancing the way users engage with their surroundings.  --- 🖼️ Imagen 4: Advanced Image Generation Building upon its predecessors, Imagen 4 offers enhanced photorealistic image generation. It excels in rendering intricate details such as water, fabrics, and animal textures, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in AI-generated imagery.  ---...
Post a Comment
Read more