Reps Advocates for School Vaccination programs
Reps Advocates for School Vaccination programs 
The House of Representatives is calling for immediate action to prevent the spread of diphtheria in schools. Following the recent incident at King’s College, Lagos, where a 12-year-old student died and several others were hospitalized, the lawmakers are urging the Federal Government to roll out a nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign in schools.
The motion, moved by Akin Rotimi, highlighted the need for swift government intervention, citing data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s (NCDC) Weekly Diphtheria Situation Report. According to the report, Nigeria has recorded 24,804 confirmed cases across 25 states since 2022, with 1,269 deaths in 18 states.
To address the issue, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and NCDC to roll out a nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign in schools. Launch public awareness campaigns to prevent further outbreaks, conduct an urgent review of health infrastructure in unity colleges, and implement a clear response framework for infectious disease outbreaks.
The lawmakers also mandated the Federal Ministry of Education to provide compensation to the family of the deceased student, recognizing the tragic loss and the duty of care owed to students in federal institutions.
