The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced on Wednesday that it might declare an emergency due to the escalating cholera outbreak in the country. Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of NCDC, highlighted during an event in Lagos that the center is closely monitoring the situation. If the outbreak exceeds manageable levels, an emergency will be declared.
Dr. Idris conveyed these concerns while speaking at the Adetokunbo Alakija Memorial Travel Medicine Lecture, held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. This event was organized by the Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine.
Nigeria is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak affecting 30 states. In response, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) convened an emergency meeting in Lagos on Tuesday. This information was shared by the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, on his X handle.
The NCDC’s recent report revealed that from January 1 to June 11, 2024, the country recorded over 1,141 suspected cases and more than 65 confirmed cases of cholera. Tragically, these have resulted in over 30 deaths across 96 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 30 states.
In Lagos, the Ministry of Health reported 350 suspected cholera cases in 29 wards across multiple LGAs, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities due to severe dehydration caused by delayed medical intervention.
During his address on ‘Collaborative Platforms and Networks, Strengthening Travel Medicine in Nigeria,’ the NCDC DG emphasized the importance of ongoing risk assessments. Dr. Idris noted, “We have been tracking cholera cases and documenting them. In recent weeks, the incidence has surged, prompting deeper investigations and involvement from Lagos State.”
He stressed that the decision to declare an emergency hinges on the data collected by various partners. “If the data indicates that the situation has surpassed a specific threshold, then we will declare an emergency,” he explained.
Dr. Idris underscored the necessity of prevention and preparedness in managing disease outbreaks. “Preparation involves setting up necessary facilities, including isolation centers, and assessing available human resources,” he said.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, emphasized the role of environmental factors in cholera transmission. She stated, “Cholera is linked to environmental conditions, water quality, and sanitation practices. The Ministry of Health must collaborate with environmental agencies to address these issues.”
Ogunyemi called for personal responsibility in maintaining hygiene to curb the spread of cholera. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has issued guidelines for cholera prevention to schools, parents, and guardians.
A statement from the Commissioner for Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, highlighted the state’s efforts to raise awareness among vulnerable groups and within the school system. The government urged schools to ensure strict hygiene practices among food handlers, maintain functional handwashing facilities, and stock oral rehydration salts to manage dehydration promptly.
Schools were advised to regularly clean WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities and use bleach or chlorine solutions for surface cleaning. Additionally, emergency contact numbers were provided for reporting health emergencies or suspected cholera cases.
Parents and guardians were also advised to monitor their children’s health daily for symptoms like fever and frequent watery stools, and to seek medical advice if any signs of illness appear.
“Ensure your child carries a hand sanitiser and encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
“Remind your child to maintain a safe distance from others where possible, avoiding unnecessary physical contact. Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Encourage a balanced diet to boost your child’s immune system. Stay in touch with your child’s school for updates on health guidelines and report any health concerns to the school promptly.
“Inform the school in the event of ill-health of your child,” the guidelines added.
