By Bunmi Yekini
In response to a recent diphtheria outbreak at King’s College Annexe, Victoria Island, the Lagos State Government has launched an emergency vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.
The swift intervention, led by the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board, aims to safeguard students, staff, and the broader school community. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, alongside Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, and other top officials, visited the school to assess the situation and oversee the vaccination exercise.
Read Also: Diphtheria Outbreak in King’s College: Lagos State Activates Emergency Response
Speaking to students during the visit, Prof. Abayomi emphasized the importance of personal and environmental hygiene in preventing the disease’s spread.
“Handwashing, cleanliness, and early reporting of symptoms such as sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing are key to controlling diphtheria,” he said. “We urge parents not to panic or withdraw their children from school, as the government is actively managing the situation.”
The inspection team, which included Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, Permanent Secretary of Lagos Health District III, and Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health, toured key facilities such as dormitories, classrooms, the school’s kitchen, and sanitary areas to identify potential risk factors.
The emergency vaccination campaign is targeting all students, with parental consent, as well as school staff. Prof. Abayomi reassured parents that while mild side effects from the vaccine may occur, they are rare and manageable.
“We have medical personnel on standby at the school’s healthcare facility to provide necessary care should anyone experience any reaction,” he added.
The school’s Principal, Mr. Zachariah Magaji, expressed appreciation for the government’s swift response and reassured parents that safety measures were in place.
“The collaboration between the government, parents, and alumni shows our collective commitment to protecting the students and ensuring learning continues without disruption,” Magaji stated.
Health officials have ramped up awareness efforts within the school community to ensure students, parents, and teachers understand the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures for diphtheria.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has pledged continued collaboration with federal and state health agencies to monitor the situation closely. Officials have also urged residents to take advantage of free immunization programs and adhere to public health advisories to prevent further outbreaks.
“The fight against vaccine-preventable diseases requires collective responsibility,” Prof. Abayomi said. “We remain committed to strengthening disease surveillance and response mechanisms across all schools and communities in Lagos State.”