The Imo State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and other health partners, is intensifying efforts to curb a diphtheria outbreak that has claimed 10 lives in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area. The outbreak, first reported in November 2024, has resulted in 79 suspected cases, with seven confirmed as diphtheria through laboratory testing conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The state’s rapid response includes vaccination campaigns, case management, and community sensitization to limit the spread of this highly contagious bacterial disease.
UNICEF has played a pivotal role in supporting the state’s response, facilitating the vaccination of 4,017 individuals as part of a reactive immunization drive targeting vulnerable populations. The diphtheria vaccine, which protects against Corynebacterium diphtheriae, has been administered across affected communities, with an additional 70 doses recently supplied to bolster efforts. Health authorities have established treatment centers at primary health facilities in Mbutu and Aboh General Hospital, ensuring access to critical care, including diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics for confirmed cases.
The outbreak’s epicenter in Mbutu has prompted targeted interventions, including infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to reduce transmission. Community engagement campaigns are educating residents on symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and the characteristic “bull neck” swelling, urging early reporting to health facilities. UNICEF’s partnership with the NCDC and World Health Organization (WHO) has strengthened surveillance, enabling contact tracing and monitoring of suspected cases to prevent further fatalities.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including vaccine hesitancy and logistical constraints in reaching remote areas. The Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency is working to address these gaps by deploying mobile vaccination teams and intensifying public awareness through local leaders and media. Health officials emphasize the importance of routine immunization to prevent future outbreaks, noting that diphtheria is vaccine-preventable but can be fatal in unvaccinated populations, particularly children under five.
The state government has commended UNICEF and its partners for their swift response, which has included training healthcare workers on case management and IPC protocols. Data from the NCDC indicates that Nigeria has seen a resurgence of diphtheria in recent years, with low vaccination coverage in some regions contributing to outbreaks. Imo State’s current efforts aim to achieve herd immunity by expanding vaccine access and addressing socio-cultural barriers to uptake.
As of June 2025, the situation in Mbutu remains under close monitoring, with no new deaths reported in the past week, though health officials remain vigilant. The collaboration between UNICEF, the NCDC, and local authorities underscores the importance of coordinated action in managing public health emergencies. Residents are urged to report symptoms promptly and ensure children receive routine vaccinations to safeguard against diphtheria and other preventable diseases.
This outbreak highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including gaps in routine immunization coverage and the need for sustained investment in primary healthcare. UNICEF’s ongoing support includes supplying medical resources and technical expertise to strengthen Imo State’s health infrastructure. The agency has also called for increased funding to scale up vaccination programs nationwide, emphasizing that preventing future outbreaks requires long-term commitment from all stakeholders.
The diphtheria outbreak in Imo State serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and robust surveillance systems. Health authorities are optimistic that ongoing interventions will contain the outbreak, but they stress the need for community cooperation. By combining vaccination drives, public education, and improved healthcare access, Imo State aims to prevent further loss of life and protect its population from this deadly disease.
