The Federal Government may receive emergency vaccine doses from the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, to address the cholera outbreak in the country.
On Thursday, Gavi CEO Dr. Sania Nishtar expressed concern over the cholera outbreak in Nigeria and pledged support for the country’s response efforts. She posted on her X handle, @SaniaNishtar, “Deeply concerned about the ongoing #cholera outbreak in Nigeria. @Gavi and partners are closely monitoring the cholera outbreak, and stand ready to support the government to quickly respond, including to request emergency vaccine doses where needed. The global cholera stockpile, which is funded by Gavi, is currently fully replenished and ready to help contain outbreaks and protect those at highest risk.”
Three World Health Organisation pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines—Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol®—are available, each requiring two doses for full protection.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activated the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on Monday, emphasizing the severity of the situation. NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris explained that the EOC will coordinate the response across the country, support affected states, and facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making. “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,” Idris stated. He noted that experts assessed Nigeria as being at high risk for increased cholera transmission and impact.
As of Wednesday, the outbreak had claimed 54 lives and resulted in 1,579 suspected cases across 32 states and 115 local government areas, according to Dr. Muntari Hassan of the EOC. “The outbreak has been declared an emergency, hence the activation of the Emergency Operation Centre on Monday,” Hassan said.
In Osun State, Health Commissioner Mr. Jola Akinola reported that out of 14 suspected cases, 13 had tested negative, with one result pending. He assured that the state would remain vigilant to prevent a cholera outbreak. “We just finished the cholera technical group meeting. The summary of the report is still the same thing. As of today, we have recorded 14 suspected cases. The results of 13 out of the 14 are negative. So we are expecting the 14th case. Even at that, the boy that his sample was taken to the laboratory was playing football at the time the state team visited the household. We were responsible for the drugs administered to him. He is hale and hearty, but we will wait for the result by tomorrow (Friday). So, no confirmed case yet,” Akinola said.
Officials from the state Ministry of Health held a sensitization rally against cholera at Sabo Market, Ile-Ife, where the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Afolayan, and the Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Mr. Wale Akala, addressed market traders.
Senate Committee on Health Chairman Dr. Ipalibo Banigo emphasized the collective responsibility in combating the cholera outbreak. “Let me tell you that cholera is a responsibility of everybody. We all need to be sure that the water we drink is potable. We all must see that our communities are not defecating inside water sources. We must ensure that water and sanitation efforts are improved across our communities. We all need to be sure that the food we eat is hygienic and clean. So, it’s a collective effort,” she said.
The Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) highlighted the importance of public education and emergency response training. At a training event at the Rome Business School in Ikeja, Lagos, HEI CEO Paschal Achunine stressed the need to address the cholera outbreak. “Our mantra is that none should die. People are dying from medical issues that require minimal financial intervention,” Achunine said. HEI has supported 7,260 individuals across 12 states, including Lagos. “We train to save lives. Knowledge, they say, is power. That’s why everyone needs to be a lifesaver in every little,” he added.
Deputy Director of Nursing at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Sola Aketi, praised HEI’s efforts to reduce avoidable deaths and improve healthcare access. “During outbreaks like cholera, we conduct extensive campaigns through media, motorized efforts, and house-to-house visits to raise awareness about the disease and how to prevent it,” Aketi said.
Consultant family physician and facilitator at the event, Odunaye-Badmus Sakeenah, emphasized the importance of rehydration in treating cholera. “Rehydration with Oral Rehydration Solution is vital. One can mix one litre of clean water with ORS or prepare the salt-sugar solution at home. With just one teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar mixed in a litre of clean water and ensuring the person continues to drink can save lives,” she noted.
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