The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has revealed that diphtheria and tetanus are threatening pregnant women. The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, made the revelation on Tuesday in an interview with journalists in Abuja. Aina, who emphasized that timely immunisation was urgently recommended for the safety of pregnant women and their babies said recent cases have shown a direct correlation between these infections and the loss of unborn babies prompting a call for urgent action. Tetanus is a fatal bacterial infection caused by clostridium tetani bacterium. It typically enters the body through wounds or cuts and produces a toxin that affects the nervous system. Tetanus is characterised by muscle stiffness and spasms, often starting in the jaw, hence the term “lockjaw”, and spreading to other muscles.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose that release a toxin that can lead to the formation of a thick grey or white coating in the throat, making breathing difficult.
Dr Aina noted that both tetanus and diphtheria, once thought of as rare, were resurfacing.
“The silent nature of these infections can catch many off guard, especially pregnant women, making it imperative to raise awareness about the potential dangers they pose during pregnancy,” he said.
“Understanding the gravity of this situation is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of both the mother and the unborn child.
“Vaccination not only protects the mother from these potentially deadly infections but also creates a shield of immunity that extends to the developing foetus.
“Contrary to concerns, tetanus, and diphtheria immunizations have proven to be safe for pregnant women, with negligible risks compared to the severe consequences of the infection,” he said.
