Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that death from cholera outbreak has risen to 54 and spread to 31 states.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja,Director General, Jide Idris, at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, disclosed that as at June 24, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths had been recorded across 107 local government areas with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.
“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.”
It has declared cholera a public health emergency after its risk assessment showed the country is now at ‘High Risk’ of increased risk of 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 said.
He explained that the EOC would serve as the nerve centre for the coordination of response across the country, and will also support affected states to facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes, mobilise 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 implored all stakeholders, 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 precautions, 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.
