The European Union (EU) has released €1,000,000 in humanitarian funding to fight the spread of diphtheria disease and assist the most affected communities in Nigeria. This funding comes in addition to €150,000, which was allocated to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in March 2023 to help control the epidemic. The EU’s latest funding will enable UNICEF and the medical NGO ALIMA to contribute to the response by providing technical and staff support to frontline health agencies. The support aims to enhance surveillance and case detection, treatment of cases, community awareness raising, and to assist with the procurement of vaccines.
Nigeria is currently facing the world’s second-largest diphtheria outbreak, with 10,322 confirmed and 16,616 suspected cases since the beginning of the year. Kano State in the Northwest represents the outbreak’s epicenter with 8,447 confirmed cases and 589 deaths. The most affected states are Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, and Kaduna, which collectively account for 96% of all suspected cases.
The EU’s funding is a crucial step in aiding the Nigerian healthcare system and addressing the diphtheria crisis. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has continued to provide medical humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict, natural disasters, epidemics, or healthcare exclusion. Their efforts have been ongoing in responding to different diseases and the challenges faced in providing treatment to those in need.
This allocation of funding reflects the EU’s commitment to addressing global healthcare crises and supporting countries in need. The assistance provided by the EU will not only contribute to controlling the spread of the diphtheria outbreak but also aid in strengthening healthcare systems and enhancing the overall response to epidemics and medical emergencies in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the EU’s €1million humanitarian funding serves as a beacon of hope for the most affected communities in Nigeria, providing crucial support in the fight against the diphtheria outbreak. It underscores the importance of international solidarity and collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges and promoting the well-being of those impacted by epidemics and crises.
