The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) as of October 13, 2024, documented a total of 14,237 cholera cases across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, affecting 339 local government areas.
This alarming outbreak has resulted in 378 deaths, highlighting the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris emphasized the severity of the cholera situation, particularly in regions lacking adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.
“Cholera remains a serious public health issue,” he stated, underscoring the challenges faced in vulnerable communities.
Idris shared details on the outbreak’s progression: “As of October 13, 2024, a total of 14,237 cases of cholera have been reported across 35 states and the FCT, spanning 339 local government areas.
Sadly, 378 lives have been lost, resulting in a case-fatality ratio of about 2.7 percent. The burden of this outbreak disproportionately affects the most vulnerable – children under the age of five.”
The Director General noted that the year has experienced two significant waves of cholera, with the latest surge recorded in the week of September 29 (Epi Week 39).
This spike is largely attributed to heavy rains and subsequent flooding, a pattern anticipated by data and advisories from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
Idris pointed out that northern states like Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano have become epicenters of the outbreak, exacerbated by recent flooding.
“Earlier in the year, cholera cases were concentrated in southern states as the rains began there, but we have seen a shift, with northern states now accounting for a significant portion of cases,” he explained.
The report reveals that the number of suspected cholera cases and deaths in 2024 has more than doubled compared to the same period last year, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and intervention.
Idris stated, “These numbers reflect the severity of the outbreak and reinforce the need for continuous vigilance and action.
It also underscores the developmental issues that should be addressed both at the national and sub-national levels with improved commitment towards addressing challenges relating to inadequate access to clean water, open defecation, poor environmental sanitation, food, and personal hygiene.”
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has deployed rapid response teams, including experts from a one health line ministry, to the affected northern states.
High-level advocacy visits, particularly to Borno State, were conducted to engage with health leadership and support communities displaced by floods.
“Our efforts have been bolstered by collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. Together, we have successfully supported our sister agency, the NPCHDA, to carry out reactive cholera vaccinations in internally displaced persons camps, a move that has proven crucial in the reduction in cases being reported,” Idris added.
Looking ahead, the NCDC is focused on enhancing surveillance, improving the prompt treatment of affected individuals, and strengthening Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices in impacted communities.
“Cholera is a preventable disease, and with collective effort, we can control and eventually eliminate this threat,” he stated.
