The Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Primary Healthcare team has taken its campaign against diphtheria to the Ayobo-Ipaja Market, urging traders and residents to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against the potentially deadly infectious disease.
The community awareness campaign aimed to help residents understand the dangers of diphtheria, how the disease spreads, its warning signs and the importance of vaccination and early medical intervention.
Diphtheria is a serious and contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
As of September, the Lagos State Ministry of Health has reported 53 suspected cases of the disease and six laboratory-confirmed cases in Lagos State for the year 2026.
The disease is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and can make breathing and swallowing difficult. In severe cases, the infection can cause serious complications if treatment is delayed.
Some of the symptoms associated with diphtheria include sour throat, fever, weakness, swollen glands in the neck, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, and a thick grey or white coating around the throat or tonsils.
Addressing traders and members of the community during the awareness campaign, Health Educator and Health Promotion Officer, Mrs. Omoselewa Balogun, explained that diphtheria spreads mainly through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
It can also spread through close contact with an infected person or by coming into contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.
She advised anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of the disease to seek medical attention immediately rather than resorting to self-medication or delaying treatment.
Balogun, therefore, urged residents, particularly those who interact with large numbers of people daily, such as market traders, to pay close attention to their health and avoid practices that could facilitate the spread of infectious diseases.
Vaccination remains key
Another Health Educator, Olafisoye Daniel, stressed that vaccination remains the most effective protection against diphtheria.
He noted that vaccines are available through routine childhood immunisation at primary healthcare facilities in Ayobo-Ipaja, urging parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible children receive their recommended vaccinations.
Daniel also encouraged residents to complement vaccination with basic preventive measures, including regular hand and personal hygiene, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and seeking medical attention promptly when symptoms develop.
Why community awareness matters
For communities such as Ayobo-Ipaja, where residents, traders, commuters and visitors interact daily in markets and other crowded public spaces, health education remains an important tool in preventing the spread of contagious diseases.
Health authorities therefore encouraged market traders and residents not to treat information about diphtheria casually, stressing that awareness, vaccination, early recognition and prompt medical care can help protect individuals, families and the wider community.
They also urged those who receive the information to share it with family members, colleagues, neighbours and other members of the community.
The awareness campaign forms part of the Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA Primary Healthcare team’s continuing efforts to strengthen disease prevention, community health education and public awareness, with the goal of reducing preventable illnesses and improving health outcomes across the community.
