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Cholera outbreak: 22 states receive kits as Lagos cases reach 500.

By: Adisa Deborah

According to the Forum of Health Commissioners of Nigeria, led by Dr. Oyebanji Filani, 22 states have received test kits and resources from the federal government in response to a cholera outbreak. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported over 1,528 suspected cases across 31 states.

 

Because the immunization duration is limited, the cholera vaccine focuses on prevention and prompt treatment. No state has received the vaccine, but states are collaborating with federal partners to increase health promotion, prevention, water hygiene, and sanitation. The primary focus is on prompt treatment for those who get the condition.

 

To assist individuals in recovering from the short immunity period, the Federal Government has provided cholera vaccines, consumables, and test kits to several states, including Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, Ondo, Osun, Niger, Kano, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Kwara, Anambra, Sokoto, Plateau, Ebonyi, and Ekiti.

 

The Federal Government has deployed kits to Lagos to deal with probable cholera cases, according to Special Adviser Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi. Dr. Ogunyemi, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s health spokesman, credited the drop in instances to the government’s “massive sensitization” efforts. Ogunyemi emphasized that the tendency is diminishing, with new instances not expanding as rapidly as previously anticipated.

 

The Federal Government is awaiting a cholera vaccine from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Lagos Island, Nigeria. The state health institutions are still waiting for the vaccine, which is not manufactured in Lagos but is ordered for the entire country. Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Lagos Mainland local governments had the most suspected cases, with Lagos Island LGA having more than 100. As of June 20, 2024, an additional six instances were recorded, bringing the total number of suspected cases to 423.

 

The Federal Government, led by the NCDC, is handling Nigeria’s cholera outbreak, which has resulted in 24 deaths and 35 confirmed cases across 20 local government areas. The outbreak has impacted Ikeja, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, and Alimosho LGAs. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency has requested a cholera vaccine from the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision. The Emergency Operation Centre for Cholera will be operationalized by the federal government.

 

Case management entails early detection and treatment of cases, such as oral hydration therapy, antibiotics, and nourishment. The NPHCDA is striving to procure a cholera vaccine, but stockpiles are limited. The minister applied to the ICG for a vaccination, which is now being sourced for deployment to Lagos. A definite date for vaccination delivery is not available. The NPHCDA is also looking into emergency procurement outside of the ICG to help identify and vaccinate vulnerable areas.

 

The Federal Ministry of Environment is actively involved in cholera prevention and control through the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health and Nigeria’s Environmental Health Officers Registration Council. They are striving to stop the spread of the disease by testing water and food, conducting environmental sanitation initiatives, and chlorinating residential water. The ministry also provides affected states with chlorine solutions, water and food testing tools, information, and technical assistance.

 

The Nigerian Medical Association and the Federal Ministry of Environment are working jointly to combat cholera outbreaks in Nigeria. The Nigerian Medical Association has deployed over 50,000 doctors across the country, emphasizing the significance of drinking safe water and maintaining personal hygiene. However, health difficulties in Osun State have sparked controversy, with the Ministry of Health arguing that the government is not doing enough. Traditional environmental methods are being promoted.

 

The Ministry of Health in Osun State has confirmed 13 suspected instances of cholera, all of which tested negative in the laboratory. The government has reestablished the Public Health Rapid Response Team and the Cholera Technical Working Group to ensure surveillance and risk communication. Thirteen samples were taken, and they all tested negative. Cholera RDT kits have been distributed strategically throughout 30 LGAs. The public’s awareness of cholera prevention and symptoms will continue.