Diphtheria Outbreak: SSACO Faults Oyo Immunisation Coverage, Demands Accountability
The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has criticised Oyo State’s childhood immunisation coverage amid reports of a diphtheria outbreak affecting several local government areas, calling on Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to strengthen its response and account for funds allocated to immunisation programmes.
The organisation expressed concern over reported cases and fatalities among children, arguing that the situation requires urgent public health intervention, improved vaccination coverage and greater transparency in the management of resources committed to preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, the campaign organisation said Oyo State recorded the lowest childhood immunisation coverage among the six South-West states, despite receiving billions of naira in development financing under the World Bank-supported Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project.
The organisation listed Atisbo, Ibadan North-West, Oyo West, Akinyele, Saki, Egbeda, Oriire, Ibadan North, Ibadan South-West, Iwajowa, Ona-Ara, Atiba, Lagelu, Ogbomosho North, Surulere and Oluyole among the local government areas reportedly affected by the outbreak.
It described diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable bacterial infection that can cause severe complications and death, as a serious public health concern requiring prompt diagnosis, treatment and sustained vaccination efforts.
According to the organisation, Oyo State’s childhood immunisation coverage increased marginally from 51.3 per cent in the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey to 55 per cent in the 2025–2026 survey, representing a rise of 3.7 percentage points.
It contrasted the figures with those of other South-West states, stating that coverage increased from 58.2 to 84.9 per cent in Ekiti, 52.1 to 86 per cent in Lagos, 52.1 to 63.9 per cent in Ogun, 59.8 to 84 per cent in Ondo, and 54.4 to 78.1 per cent in Osun.
The campaign organisation further stated that regional immunisation coverage rose from 58.2 to 72.5 per cent, leaving Oyo behind its South-West counterparts.
It argued that the figures raised questions about the reach and effectiveness of the state government’s immunisation interventions, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities.
The organisation also cited available audited financial records indicating that Oyo State had received approximately ₦9.832 billion in cumulative World Bank/International Development Association funding under the IMPACT Project as of December 31, 2024.
It said that, when the state’s contribution of ₦41 million and miscellaneous and interest income of ₦13.45 million were included, cumulative project receipts stood at approximately ₦9.886 billion.
The organisation maintained that the funding should translate into measurable improvements in immunisation coverage and child health outcomes, insisting that the government must account for the resources committed to the programme.
It called on the Director of Public Health to explain the factors behind the reported outbreak and provide details of the resources expended on immunisation and disease prevention.
SSACO also urged the state government to collaborate with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and relevant development partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
Beyond the immediate response, the organisation demanded the publication of updated IMPACT Project financial and implementation reports, including subsequent disbursements, expenditure by project component, planned vaccination targets, actual coverage achieved and measures adopted to reach underserved communities.
It also questioned the continued engagement of a retired Primary Health Care Board IMPACT Programme Manager involved in the project’s implementation, arguing that transparency in staffing and programme management was essential to achieving the programme’s objectives.
The organisation urged the state government to deploy qualified medical and public health professionals effectively to strengthen the immunisation system and improve protection for children across Oyo State.
