NCDC activates emergency centre as Nigeria records 53 cholera deaths

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated a national cholera multi-sectoral emergency operations centre (EOC).

Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by the ingestion of the organism Vibrio cholerae in contaminated water and food.

Lagos is currently tackling an outbreak of cholera, with other states recording cases as well.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Jide Idris, NCDC director-general (DG), said 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths have been recorded across 31 states and 107 LGAs as of June 24.

“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,” the NCDC DG said.

“This situation will be compounded as the rainy season intensifies.”

Idris said in response to the rapidly increasing cholera cases, a risk assessment was conducted by experts on the situation last week.

He said the experts were drawn from the relevant ministries, departments, agencies, stakeholders, and major partners.

“The outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at high risk of increased cholera transmission and impact,” he said.

“This demands our immediate and coordinated actions and therefore necessitated the activation of the national cholera multi-sectoral emergency operations centre (EOC) in Nigeria today.

“The decision to activate the cholera EOC underscores the gravity of the situation and our unwavering commitment to protect the health and well-being of every Nigerian.

“The EOC will serve as the nerve centre for the coordination of response across the country, it will also support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes, mobilise resources, expertise, and support from across the NCDC, our 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 and training, and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities.

“To effectively do this, an incident manager has also been appointed, who will coordinate the day-to-day activities involving several pillars such as surveillance (data collection, analysis, and dissemination), case management, oral cholera vaccine issues, coordination, infection prevention and control (IPC), logistics support, and research.”