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The Lagos State Government said it has begun strengthening preparedness against diphtheria despite not being a national hotspot, just as it warned that the state’s density and mobility make it vulnerable to importation.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated this in an X post on Monday, barely a week after a meeting held with health leaders, clinicians, epidemiologists, laboratory experts and partners to review the state’s response plan.
According to the commissioner, Nigeria had recorded 16,184 suspected cases, 13,026 confirmed cases and 365 deaths across 26 states by epidemiological week 35 of 2026.
“Lagos is not a national hotspot. But a low case count does not mean low risk,” he observed.
Abayomi noted that Lagos is “densely populated, highly connected and highly mobile”, and that importation from affected states “can occur through interstate movement, with transmission then spreading rapidly through households, schools, communities and other congregate settings.”
Speaking on preparedness, Abayomi said the state reviewed 8 key areas: surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, clinical care, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, vaccination, referral and critical supplies.
On clinical care, he urged that “clinical suspicion must prompt action. Suspected cases should be isolated, investigated and treated promptly while laboratory confirmation is sought. Treatment should not be delayed when clinically indicated.”
Stressing clear referral pathways for severe cases, the commissioner said, “Airway compromise or toxin mediated complications may require ENT, anaesthetic or intensive care support. We must know where to refer and ensure facilities are prepared.”
The commissioner also highlighted that preparedness meant taking stock.
“Where is our diphtheria antitoxin? How much do we have? Do we have adequate antibiotics, laboratory and other essential supplies? Can we deploy them rapidly if cases increase?” he queried.
He disclosed that the state is strengthening vaccination, with special attention to zero-dose and under-immunised children, as well as older children and adolescents.
“There are more than 1,000 facilities across Lagos for routine immunisation, free at government facilities. If your child has missed doses, check the vaccination card and complete the schedule,” he explained.
With schools reopening, the commissioner said collaboration with the education sector and “stronger school and community surveillance will be critical.”
Abayomi said, “Lagos has shown that it can respond rapidly. Our goal is to ensure the system is ready before the next case arrives. Diphtheria is preventable. Preparedness prevents tragedy.”
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes skin by building up a thick, grey coating that makes it hard to breathe and swallow.
It is preventable through vaccination with the pentavalent and Td vaccines, which are offered free at public health facilities in Lagos.
