NCDC Releases Guidelines On Response To Diphtheria Outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has published the National Diphtheria Surveillance and Outbreak Response Guideline to support preparedness, detection, and response to diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria.

This guideline provides critical information on case identification, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control (IPC), case management, risk communication, and vaccination strategies. It is designed to assist public health officials, healthcare workers, and stakeholders in strengthening response coordination at national and sub-national levels.

According to NCDC, the will aid the prevention, early detection and response to suspected diphtheria cases and prompt reporting of such cases from health facilities to higher levels for public health action.

“To guide the activation of response coordination structures at national and sub-national levels during outbreaks

“To strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation at all levels and useof this information for immediate public health control measures.

“To guide preparedness and response plans for diphtheria outbreak.

“To improve case management outcomes and enhance adherence to IPCstandards and protocols”.