UNICEF Nigeria has stated that an additional $3.3 million must be raised before the end of the year in order to stop the country’s growing diphtheria outbreak.

According to The Times, more than 11,500 suspected cases, more than 7,000 confirmed cases, and regrettably, the deaths of 453 people who are mostly children, have been linked to this outbreak.

According to UNICEF Nigeria, the majority of cases were children between the ages of four and 15 who had not had any vaccinations, highlighting the urgent need for vaccination in Nigeria.

The group is actively offering the Nigerian government vital support as it works to contain the spread.

“The purchase of vaccines to bolster the government’s response is an essential component of this support. UNICEF has so far sent 9.3 million doses of diphtheria vaccine on behalf of the government to the afflicted states, which include Kano, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, and Jigawa.

“Of these, 4 million doses have been sent to Kano, where the outbreak is most severe. In the upcoming weeks, the government will get another 4 million doses of vaccine,” according to the announcement.

This diphtheria outbreak’s disastrous effects serve as a clear reminder of the significance of vaccination.

Nigeria is home to an astounding 2.2 million children, making it the second largest country worldwide with regard to this population.

According to UNICEF Representative Dr Rownak Khan, it is critical to take immediate concerted action to dramatically lower the figures since every child deserves protection from preventable diseases, which is an absolute necessity.

In addition, UNICEF urged all partners, stakeholders, and members of the international community to work together to make sure that every child in Nigeria receives the necessary vaccinations.

To stop future epidemics of this type, the organization emphasized the value of bolstering routine immunization, community involvement, and healthcare systems.