LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Zamfara State has stepped up efforts to detect, investigate and contain diphtheria as health authorities work with the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen surveillance of the disease and other vaccine-preventable infections.
The move was announced by the State’s Ministry of Health at a Surveillance and Routine Immunization Review Meeting attended by Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and their assistants.
The meeting focused on surveillance activities involving Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), vaccine-preventable diseases and Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) documentation ahead of the planned OBR documentation exercise.
Speaking on the response to suspected diphtheria cases, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, said the state was reviewing measures to prevent possible community transmission.
Maradun, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Rilwanu Zurmi, directed surveillance officers to strengthen monitoring and ensure samples from suspected cases are collected and sent promptly for laboratory testing.
She said proper and timely sample collection was essential for accurate diagnosis, dependable disease data and the delivery of appropriate public health interventions.
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The commissioner also instructed surveillance teams to investigate suspected cases without delay, ensure samples are properly transported to designated laboratories and improve reporting from health facilities and communities.
In addition, she called for closer cooperation among surveillance officers, healthcare facilities, laboratory personnel and development partners to support early detection and a rapid response.
Also, the WHO State Coordinator in Zamfara, Dr Raji Mukhtar, urged health facilities to improve the management of suspected diphtheria cases.
Mukhtar also called for stronger contact tracing and faster communication of information on suspected cases to support prompt investigation and intervention.
“Any surveillance information received should be brought forward so that appropriate action can be taken,” Mukhtar said.
He reaffirmed WHO’s continued support for the state in disease surveillance, laboratory confirmation, contact tracing, case management and timely response to suspected cases.
The Zamfara government and its development partners have consequently renewed their commitment to stronger surveillance and coordination to detect diphtheria early and reduce the risk of transmission across communities.
