From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that cholera outbreak has spread to 31 states, and the deaths from the recent outbreak from across the country has risen to 54.
NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed the information at a press conference in Abuja, on Monday.
He said that as of 24th June 2024, 1, 528 suspected cases and 53 deaths have been recorded across 31 States and 107 LGAs with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.
He added: “These fatalities are not just statistics but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often a seasoned healthcare worker and team member. This situation might be compounded as the rainy season intensifies.”
The NCDC boss further disclosed that a dynamic risk assessment was conducted by experts on Cholera outbreak situation in Nigeria last week, and the outcome indicated that Nigeria is at “high risk” of increased cholera transmission and impact.
“This demands immediate and coordinated actions, and therefore necessitated the recent activation of the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) which underscored the gravity of the situation and the unwavering commitment of the stakeholders to protect the health and well-being of every Nigerian,” he explained.
Dr. Idris further explained that the EOC will serve as the nerve center for the coordination of response across the country, and will also support affected states to facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes, mobilize resources, expertise, and support from across the NCDC, partners, and stakeholders at all levels of government.
“It will ensure efficient deployment of needed resources, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity and capabilities, enhance case management, training and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities.”
He sympathized with the families that have lost their loved ones to the outbreak, acknowledging the efforts of all stakeholders including Ministries Departments and Agencies, State and Local Governments, local and international partners, healthcare workers, community leaders, and individuals that have worked hard in responding to the outbreak.
He called on all stakeholders, notably, government agencies, subnational level actors, partners, civil society organization, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and every citizen to stem the tide of the outbreak and redouble their efforts to contain the spread and prevent further loss of lives.
He also reminded health workers of the need to always practice standard safety precaution particularly the practice of wearing gloves while handling patients or providing care to an ill patient/relative, and also intensify surveillance efforts to promptly report suspected cholera cases.
“Meanwhile, to reduce the risk of cholera, Nigerians should ensure that their water is boiled and stored in a clean and covered container before drinking; practice good personal hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap under clean running water. Using of alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and clean water are not available.
“Ensure that food is well cooked before consumption. Only consume raw food such as fruits and vegetables, after washing them thoroughly with safe water. After cooking food or boiling water, protect against contamination by flies and unsanitary handling; left over foods should be thoroughly reheated before ingestion; persons with diarrhoea should not prepare or serve food or haul water for others.
“Avoid open defecation, indiscriminate refuse dumping, and ensure proper disposal of waste and frequent clearing of sewage, and most importantly report anyone you know that experience sudden watery diarrhoea, and avoid self-education.”
