By Bunmi Yekini
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a sharp increase in the death toll from the ongoing cholera outbreak, with 378 lives lost and 14,237 infections recorded since the beginning of 2024. Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of the NCDC, shared this grim update on Thursday, October 17, during a briefing on Nigeria’s response to infectious disease outbreaks.
The outbreak has spread across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affecting 339 local government areas. Dr. Idris emphasized that cholera continues to pose a significant public health threat, particularly in areas lacking adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
“This is a pattern we anticipated,” Dr. Idris said, noting that the latest surge in cases coincided with heavy rains and floods in northern states such as Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano, which have now become epicenters of the outbreak. “The floods have exacerbated the spread of cholera, making containment efforts even more challenging.”
He explained that two major waves of the disease have been recorded this year, with the latest peak reported during the week of September 29 (Epi Week 39). Earlier in the year, southern states bore the brunt of the outbreak due to the onset of rains, but a shift has occurred with northern states now reporting the highest numbers.
Dr. Idris warned that this year’s outbreak is more severe than in 2023. “The number of suspected cholera cases and deaths has more than doubled compared to the same period last year. These numbers reflect the severity of the outbreak and reinforce the need for continuous vigilance and action.”
Read Also: Cholera Resurfaces in Conflict-Ridden Lebanon Amidst Humanitarian Crisis
He stressed the urgent need for a long-term solution to the root causes of cholera in Nigeria, stating, “This also underscores the developmental issues that should be addressed both at the national and sub-national levels. We need improved commitment to addressing challenges such as inadequate access to clean water, open defecation, poor environmental sanitation, and lack of personal hygiene.”
Despite the alarming statistics, the NCDC, in collaboration with other government agencies and international partners, is ramping up efforts to control the outbreak. According to Dr. Idris, their focus is on increasing awareness in affected communities, distributing cholera vaccines, and providing safe water and sanitation facilities where they are most needed.
“As we battle this outbreak, it’s crucial for communities to heed health advisories, maintain proper hygiene, and avoid unsafe drinking water,” he concluded. “Our collective efforts will save lives.”