The NCDC says it has strengthened cholera prevention, control, and management.
On Tuesday in Abuja, NCDC Director-General Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa said this.
According to NAN, Cholera is caused by vibrio cholera bacteria in the colon.
On of April 30, Adetifa reported 1629 suspected cases, including 48 deaths, from 13 States.
He called the country’s epidemiology appalling.
The D-G blamed “unfit practises such as inappropriate disposal of garbage and public defecation make water unsafe for drinking and personal use”.
He advised against open defecation, boiling water before ingesting, using safe water, and storing water in covered containers to prevent cholera.
Adetifa stated the NCDC has led public health emergency preparedness, detection, and response in accordance with its mandate.
He believes all parties should take preventative actions to stop cholera’s spread.
“Nigeria had 600 cholera deaths in 2022, with 5-14-year-olds dying most.
The NCDC-led National Technical Working Group is working with other ministries, agencies, and partners to validate the Nigerian National Strategic Plan of Action for Cholera Control.
He said the National Strategic Plan of Action for Cholera Control was created in June 2022 and amended in March 2023.
Hence, stakeholders reviewed and agreed on prior workshops’ progress, performance, and gaps at the validation workshop.
He said it also offers possibilities for sector collaboration and cholera control preparation by 2027.
The NCDC chief said political will was crucial to fighting cholera.
He added government leaders and officials have to work together to prevent and control this.
This includes investing in clean water and sanitation facilities, promoting hygiene, providing vaccines and treatment, and monitoring cholera outbreaks.
With political will, these actions may be prioritised and appropriately supported, resulting in disease transmission and increased morbidity and mortality.
Adetifa added that political will is needed to address poverty and injustice, which contribute to cholera.
In 2023, NAN reported probable cholera cases in Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
Abia (11), Bayelsa (6), Cross River(3), Katsina (24), Niger (2), and Zamfara (2) reported 98 suspected cases in the reporting month (1).
Bayelsa (1) and Katsina (1) reported suspected instances this week (14).
Since the year began, five-year-olds and 45-year-olds were the most afflicted.
53% of suspected cases are male, 47% female.
Cross River (718 instances), Ebonyi (227 cases), Zamfara (177 cases), Bayelsa (160), Abia (118 cases), Katsina (115 cases), and Niger (94 cases) make up 99% of cumulative cases.
