Bukola Afeni
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has said that as of June 30th, 2024 Nigeria has record 2,102 suspected cases of cholera and 63 Deaths across 33 states in the Country.
The Director General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris stated this during the press conference on National Cholera outbreak response.
The NCDC also disclosed that the agency has distributed medical supplies for case management, infection prevention, and control, laboratory diagnosis, to all 36 plus one States.
He further said “Of the top 10 States (Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers and Delta) that contribute about 90% of the cases, 7 of them are Southern States.”
In the same vein, he said the NCDC, through the National Cholera Technical Working Group had carried out preventive measures.
“We Conducted assessment of cholera readiness and preparedness capacity in 22 hotspot and high-burden states and report of gaps identified shared with the States, so as to guide their preparedness activities before the outbreak.
“Provision of relevant guidelines, SOPs and advisories to States, with a view of guiding their technical readiness and how to respond to the outbreak.
“Prepositioning and distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention, and control, laboratory diagnosis, etc. to all 36 plus one States.
“Provision of offsite/onsite technical support to states and follow up for daily reporting and progress with response activities”, he said.
The agency also disclosed that there is ongoing sub-national level training of Laboratory Scientists on sample collection and analysis as well as training of community mobilizers on cholera key messages.
“We have supported capacity building of LGA disease surveillance and notification officers across the country, Supported capacity building of LGA risk communication and community engagement/ health promotion officers across the country.
“Provision of public health advisories and regular media engagement to sensitise the general public on the need to take responsibility and play their part in breaking the chain of transmission of this outbreak
Distribution of jingles, Flyers, and posters containing key messages on cholera prevention to all states and Federal Capital Territory”, he said.
The NCDC further urged state governments to prioritize solutions that can ensure access to use of save water, basic sanitation and proper hygiene practices in communities.
