The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a concerning rise in cholera cases across the country, with 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases identified so far. According to the Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, these cases span 33 states and 122 local government areas, with a case fatality rate of 3.0 percent.
Dr. Idris highlighted that the most affected states include Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta, with seven of these located in southern Nigeria. He also underscored a critical issue related to sanitation, noting, “Only 123 (16 percent) of 774 LGAs in Nigeria are open defecation free. With Jigawa as the only open defecation free state in Nigeria. More than 48 million Nigerians practice open defecation.”
The NCDC chief pointed out several contributing factors to the cholera outbreak, including inadequate toilet facilities and poorly maintained existing ones, as well as insufficient access to safe water and poor sanitation. He further stated that only 11 percent of schools, six percent of health facilities, and four percent of motor parks and markets have access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
Meanwhile, responding to the severity of the situation, the House of Representatives has taken proactive steps. They have resolved to collaborate with relevant health agencies to investigate the root causes of the outbreak and propose effective solutions. This decision followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Honourable Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader, during the plenary session on Tuesday.
The House has urged federal, state, and FCT governments to implement immediate measures to contain the cholera outbreak effectively. Additionally, they called upon the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the importance of personal hygiene.
In the midst of these efforts, Kogi State has reported two confirmed cases in Lokoja and Omala local government areas. Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza, the Commissioner of Health, confirmed that one case has been successfully treated, while the other is currently receiving medical attention without any fatalities reported. He emphasized that Kogi State remains vigilant against the spread of cholera, implementing comprehensive infection prevention measures and intensifying public awareness campaigns.
Conversely, Oyo State Government has issued a preventive statement, urging residents to prioritize good sanitation practices to prevent a potential cholera outbreak. They noted that although suspected cases tested negative, neighboring states’ outbreaks have heightened their preparedness efforts.
Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae bacterium, remains a significant health challenge in areas with inadequate sanitation and clean water. Experts emphasize the importance of understanding its transmission mechanisms to prevent further spread. The National Cholera Multisectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been activated to coordinate response efforts, focusing on resource mobilization, surveillance, case management, and community engagement.
Despite these efforts, challenges such as open defecation, inadequate sanitation facilities, and poor waste management persist, exacerbated by climate change and flooding. The NCDC continues to prioritize improving hygiene practices, enforcing public health laws, and enhancing healthcare workers’ capacities at the state and local levels.
In conclusion, health authorities stress the importance of vigilance and proactive measures against cholera. They advise the public to maintain good sanitation practices, ensure access to clean and safe water, and support ongoing efforts to curb the disease’s spread. As the country navigates through this health crisis, collaborative efforts between government agencies, health institutions, and communities remain pivotal in mitigating the impact of cholera outbreaks nationwide.
