The House of Representatives has directed the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to ensure that the outbreak of diphtheria in the county is effectively contained.
This Is sequel to a motion sponsored by Representative Muktar Shagaya from Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State at Plenary on Thursday.
Leading the debate Muktar Shagaya expressed worry that all the 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory have recorded a total of 557 cases, based on the recent reports released by the World Health Organisation.
Shagaya also expressed concern that since the outbreak of the disease, about 75 deaths have been recorded in 21 affected States with the most recent death being that of a four year old boy in Deidei area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Ruling on the motion, the house resolved to call on the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and NCDC to intensify its sensitization and enlightenment campaign to prevent and eradicate the scourge of diphtheria and other related diseases across the country.
The house also urged the NCDC and other relevant authorities to reduce the fatality ratio in confirmed cases.
The House thereafter mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
