By Gwurld4026 
Alarming Rise: 41,000 Diphtheria Cases in Nigeria
As of early December 2023, Nigeria has reported a cumulative total of 20,725 suspected diphtheria cases since December 2022, with 12,505 confirmed cases and 570 deaths.
The majority of cases have been concentrated in the Northwest (Kano, Katsina) and Northeast (Yobe, Bauchi, and Borno States).
The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international partners, has initiated vaccination campaigns targeting children aged 6 weeks to 4 years, resulting in the immunization of approximately 2.7 million children during the first round.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including vaccine hesitancy, logistical issues, and the need for enhanced public health education.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and strengthening surveillance systems to control the outbreak.
Public health authorities continue to urge communities to participate in vaccination programs and adhere to preventive measures to curb the spread of diphtheria.