The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a substantial rise in Cholera cases globally, with approximately 195,000 reported cases and over 1,900 deaths across 24 countries since the beginning of the year. This alarming trend is mirrored in Nigeria, where a concerning cholera outbreak has affected 30 states, with 882 suspected cases and 16 deaths reported as of June 2024. The outbreak in Nigeria has been exacerbated by inadequate access to clean water and Sanitation facilities, particularly in densely populated urban centres like Lagos Island. The lack of potable water and limited healthcare Infrastructure have hindered efforts to curb its spread, which has become a recurrent issue in the country.
Cholera is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium vibrio cholerae, which spreads through contaminated water and food. If left untreated, it can lead to severe dehydration and death. The disease has been a major Public Health concern in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season. The Nigerian government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has been working to contain the spread of cholera. The (NCDC) has established a national multi-sectoral Cholera Technical Working Group, which collaborates with federal ministries and development partners to monitor and respond to the outbreak.
Hygiene practices must be improved and (OCV) supply increased.
Despite these efforts, the demand for Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) far outstrips the available supply, with 16 countries requesting 92 million doses since January 2023. The (WHO) has distributed over five million doses, exceeding its emergency target, but more needs to be done to address the global shortage. In Lagos State, the epi center of the outbreak, efforts have been made to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, deploy rapid diagnostic tests, and enhance surveillance. However, the challenges of urban slums, lack of potable water, and limited healthcare infrastructure persist.
There is a need for sustained efforts to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable communities. Nigeria must continue to work towards strengthening its healthcare system and addressing the socio-economic dynamics that contribute to the spread of cholera. The country’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of healthcare workers. These challenges have hindered the country’s ability to effectively respond to the cholera outbreak and other public health crises.
Access to water and sanitation facilities must be prioritized.
To combat the spread of cholera, the Nigerian government must prioritize improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities, particularly in urban slums and rural areas where the residents lack them. Investments in water and sanitation infrastructure are crucial, including the Construction of new water treatment plants, sewage systems, and sanitation facilities. Also, public awareness campaigns can promote good hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap and proper disposal of human waste.
Strengthening the healthcare system is also essential to respond effectively to public health crises like cholera outbreaks. The government must increase funding for healthcare, improve infrastructure, and train more healthcare workers. This includes providing adequate equipment, supplies, and personnel to healthcare facilities, as well as establishing effective disease surveillance and response systems. By improving access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, Nigeria can reduce its spread and that of other waterborne diseases, and protect the health and well-being of its citizens.
Related Article: Lagos cholera outbreak needs urgent attention
This outbreak in Nigeria is a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to improve public health infrastructure and address the socio-economic dynamics that contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. The country’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of healthcare workers. Addressing these challenges is critical to improving the country’s ability to respond to public health crises like this. Finally, the international community has a role to play in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat it and other public health crises. Donations of Oral Cholera Vaccines, financial support for water and sanitation infrastructure, and technical assistance to strengthen the country’s healthcare system are all critical to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to improve public health.