Anambra State is stepping up measures to keep diphtheria out of the state, with health authorities launching public sensitisation and surveillance efforts amid reports of the disease spreading to parts of Nigeria.
For parents sending their children back to school, there is some reassurance: Anambra has no confirmed case of diphtheria as of September 15, 2026. But the state government says it is acting early rather than waiting for the disease to appear before responding.
The preventive measures follow reports of diphtheria cases and deaths in some parts of the country, including areas in southern Nigeria where the disease had previously been less prominent.
The Director of Public Health and Disease Control in the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr Afam Anaeme, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the government was taking proactive steps to keep residents informed and protected.
Anaeme urged residents not to panic, stressing that there was no confirmed case in the state at the time of the briefing.
He explained that diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms may include sore throat, mild fever, weakness, swollen neck and difficulty swallowing or breathing. In severe cases, the disease can damage the heart, kidneys and nerves.
For parents, health officials say one of the strongest shields against the disease remains childhood vaccination.
Anaeme noted that protection against diphtheria is included in the pentavalent vaccine administered to children at six, 10 and 14 weeks.
He also advised residents to maintain good hygiene, wash their hands regularly, avoid unnecessary close contact with suspected cases and use face masks where appropriate.
“The objective is to ensure that residents are informed and prepared rather than waiting until cases emerge before taking action,” Anaeme said, urging residents to remain calm but vigilant.
He added that the state would continue to monitor developments and strengthen disease surveillance, while encouraging residents to report suspected cases promptly.
For some residents, however, early action should extend to the state’s entry points.
Lady Eukaria Onyemaobi, who said she was not previously aware of the diphtheria reports, urged the government to intensify sensitisation at airports and border points to help prevent the disease from entering the state.
She said health officials should educate travellers and residents at such points about the reported outbreak and the precautions they need to take.
With schools now reopened, health authorities are expected to intensify awareness campaigns among pupils, parents, teachers and school administrators as part of efforts to prevent any possible spread.
For Anambra, the message from the health authorities is simple: no confirmed case, no need for panic—but plenty of reason to stay alert, vaccinated and informed.
