We’re recording fewer deaths from cholera, says NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it is recording a reduction in fatalities from the cholera outbreak in the country.

In June, Jide Idris, NCDC director-general, said 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths were recorded across 31 states and 107 LGAs.

Idris said in response to the rapidly increasing cholera cases, a risk assessment was conducted by experts from relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and major stakeholders.

Giving an update on Friday, the NCDC DG unveiled an integrated disease testing and surveillance laboratory in Lagos, the epicentre of the outbreak.

Although Idris said more cases are being detected in other states, he added that there were fewer fatalities due to increased awareness about the disease.

“We are recording lower fatalities which indicates that fewer people are dying from cholera,” he said.

“Overtime, with the increased awareness at the federal, state, and local government level, we expect a downward trend of cases in the next couple of weeks.”

The laboratory unveiling comes a few weeks after the NDDC activated the national cholera multi-sectoral emergency operations centre (EOC).

Idris said the EOC will serve as the nerve centre for the coordination of response across the country. The EOC is expected to support affected states and facilitate rapid communication and data analysis.

The EOC would also help with faster decision-making processes, and mobilise resources, expertise and support from the NCDC and stakeholders at all levels of government.