Tackling the increasing rate of Diphtheria in Yobe State
I write to draw the attention of Governor of Yobe State Governor, Mai Bala Buni, over the increasing rate of Diphtheria in the state and the alarming deaths caused by the disease.
There is a growing concern in Yobe State over the rapidly spreading of diphtheria and it calls for alarm,some of the local government areas affected are Gulani, Bursari,Potiskum, Tarmuwa, Damaturu and Nangere.
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheria that make toxin. It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death.Centre for disease control and prevention, CDC recommends vaccines for infants, children, teens, and adults to prevent diphtheria.
The disease bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers.Those at increased risk of getting sick include people in the same household or with a history of frequent and close contact with affected persons,Yobe state had recorded more deaths recently and there is a need to act fast and tackle the disease.
However,deaths can be prevented through vaccines,the government should immediately swing into action In saving lives of people by ensuring adequate equipments and resources are being put in place to ensure vaccines are distributed to prevent more deaths from the disease. The Government should also ensure that affected persons especially children get adequate medical attention because children are more vulnerable.
I call on the government to rescue the people of Yobe state by creating awareness about the disease and sensitising the people about the causes and effects of diphtheria. This can be achieved through public lectures,public service announcements and symposiums,people need to understand how to prevent the disease from spreading and how to prevent contacting the bacteria.
Also,the Yobe State Government has been making various interventions in fighting the outbreak but there is a need to do more,there should be more investigation about the sudden spread of diphtheria and the rising suspected cases in the state.
I hereby call on the government to look into the matter and act soon.
Blessing Raymond,
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri.
