By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, yesterday sounded the alarm on the outbreak of cholera, urging states to intensify measures to combat the spread of the disease.
With multiple states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, affected, NCDC is advocating improved access to clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent further cases.
Its Director-General, Jide Idris, who stated this at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, added that states should set up rapid response teams to quickly identify and contain cholera outbreak.
According to him, “NCDC continues to advocate to state governments to prioritise action for solutions that ensure access to, and the use of safe water, basic sanitation and proper hygiene in communities.
He also advised “the activation of emergency preparedness plans to address enhanced surveillance efforts, potential flooding and displacement events, mosquito control efforts, elimination of breeding sites, establishment of cholera treatment centers and ORT centers.”
He appealed to states to avoid suppressing information, saying “Please send in your line lists of cases in a timely manner. The constitution of your rapid response teams, vaccination campaigns, check sewage and drainage systems, provision of water, tankers, treatment or rehabilitation of boreholes, emergency toilets and latrines.
“To ensure readiness and early control, NCDC is implementing preparedness measures which includes cholera readiness workshops conducted in the South West and North West to enhance preparedness and response capacity. Similar ones are planned for the South South, North East, and North Central zones in May”.
The NCDC boss informed that treatment protocols have been disseminated to all states with appropriate training, adding that 134 local government areas classified as hotspots have been prioritised for multisectoral intervention, including potential RRT deployment, risk communication materials reviewed and updated, and airing to commence immediately, weekly surveillance updates disseminated to relevant authorities and stakeholders, technical support to surveillance officers provided to support data harmonisation efforts.
He noted that 36 states and the FCT are currently being assessed for readiness to combat cholera outbreak and intra action review on cholera response will be carried out as at when due.
He explained that while new cholera cases remain relatively low, their spread across 30 states amid the rainy season underscores the need for sustained vigilance.
The NCDC boss called for intensified multisectoral collaboration, especially in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, to prevent further transmission and reduce mortality.
“Though recent decline in Lassa fever and meningitis offer hope, the rising risk of cholera demands renewed alertness. We urge all Nigerians, health workers and partners to stay vigilant, act early and follow preventive guidance”.
He said NCDC remains committed to leading a coordinated national response, working closely with state governments and partners to ensure timely support and regular updates.
He urged the general public to reduce the risk of cholera, by ensuring that water is boiled and stored in a clean and covered container before drinking, practice good personal hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap under clean running water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and clean water are not available, ensure that food is well cooked before consumption. Only consume raw food such as fruits and vegetables after washing thoroughly with safe water.
“After cooking food or boiling water, protect against contamination by flies and unsanitary handling; left over foods should be thoroughly reheated before ingestion. Persons with diarrhea should not prepare or serve food or haul water for others”.
He urged health workers to adhere strictly to the infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment as needed, promptly report suspected cases to the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in your state or local government area.
