The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention notified 557 confirmed diphtheria cases and 73 deaths (CFR= 13%). 

Nigeria last reported diphtheria outbreaks in 2011.

According to the National Immunization Coverage Survey 2021, the third dose of pentavalent had a coverage of 57%, with suboptimal vaccination coverage, particularly in northeast Nigeria. 

Due to a decrease in the global availability of Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT), other public health measures like; Training and deployment of the Rapid Response team, Strengthening surveillance and response system, Ramping up routine immunization coverage, Drug sensitivity tests at National Research Laboratories are underway.