Diphtheria scare: Lagos govt moves to avert further spread
… Urges calm among parents of Kings College students
By John Okezie
Gov Sanwo-Olu
To avert further spread of diphtheria disease reported at King’s College Annexe, Victoria Island, the Lagos State Government, has launched an emergency vaccination campaign to curb the highly contagious disease and protect public health.
The state government advised the public to remain vigilant and watch for symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty breathing, and fever even as it encouraged anyone with suspected cases to report to the nearest primary healthcare center for immediate medical attention.
The campaign is led by the State’s Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, accompanied by Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi and other officials, on Tuesday, visited Kings College to assess the situation and oversee the vaccination exercise. The delegation, which included the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, and the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, conducted a thorough inspection of the school’s facilities. Key areas examined included the kitchen, dining hall, dormitories, classrooms, sickbay, sanitary areas, and waste disposal units to identify potential risk factors and reinforce preventive measures.
During his address to the students, Abayomi stressed the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, urging them to practise proper handwashing and report any symptoms of diphtheria without delay.
He reassured parents that the government is actively managing the situation and discouraged them from withdrawing their children from school, as such actions could hinder containment efforts.
“The vaccination campaign is targeting all students, with parental consent, as well as school staff, to create a protective barrier against the disease”, he said.
Addressing concerns about potential vaccine side effects, Abayomi assured students and parents that while mild to moderate reactions could occur, they are rare and manageable. He urged those experiencing any adverse effects to report to the school’s healthcare facility, where medical personnel are on standby to provide necessary care.
The school’s Principal, Mr. Zachariah Magaji, along with the PTA Chairman and representatives from the school’s alumni, took part in the facility tour and vaccination exercise, demonstrating a collective commitment to safeguarding the well-being of students.
The vaccination campaign is ongoing, with medical teams working diligently to immunize as many students and staff as possible.
Abeyanews reports that Health officials have also intensified awareness efforts within the school community to ensure students, parents, and teachers understand the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures for diphtheria.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has pledged continued collaboration with federal and state health agencies to monitor the situation and deploy additional resources as needed. The swift response aligns with broader public health strategies aimed at curbing the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in schools and communities.
Residents have been encouraged to take advantage of the state’s free immunization programmes and adhere to public health advisories to prevent further outbreaks, while the government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disease surveillance and response mechanisms across all schools and communities in the state.
