ABUJA — In a decisive push to curb the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has issued a stern and urgent appeal to parents and caregivers nationwide, urging them to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria.

Speaking during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in the nation’s capital on Tuesday, health authorities underscored the severe public health risks posed by the bacterial infection, particularly among vulnerable populations who have missed routine immunizations. The NPHCDA boss emphasized that community compliance and timely vaccination remain the most effective shields against the rapid spread of the disease.

“We cannot afford to let our guard down when the tools to protect our children are readily available and free at our primary health care centers,” the agency head stated, addressing community leaders and healthcare workers. Recent surveillance data indicates an uptick in suspected cases across several states, prompting federal health teams to ramp up mobile vaccination drives, intensify contact tracing, and distribute vital medical supplies to frontline clinics.

The federal health agency is currently collaborating closely with state governments, traditional rulers, and international partners to bridge immunity gaps. Parents have been strongly advised to check their children’s immunization cards and visit the nearest government health facility immediately if any doses have been missed. As the nationwide campaign gathers momentum, health officials remain optimistic that proactive community participation will successfully reverse the infection trends and safeguard the nation’s youngest demographic.