The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a drastic surge in cholera cases and associated deaths in, at least, 32 states and 115 local government areas in the country. This, according to the deputy director of surveillance at the agency and national incident manager, Muntari Hassan. The agency also said the total number of fatalities has risen to 54, with 1,579 suspected cases documented since the beginning of the year.
The NCDC said it continues to monitor the situation and has activated a multi-sectoral national cholera Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the response to the outbreak.
The Director General (DG) of the agency, Dr. Jide Idris, said the decision to activate the EOC underscores the severity of the situation and the preparedness of the agency to meet the task at hand.
“The EOC will serve as the nerve center for the coordination of response across the country, it will also support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes, mobilise resources, expertise, and support from across the NCDC, our partners, and stakeholders at all levels of government.
“It will ensure efficient deployment of needed resources, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity and capabilities, enhance case management, training and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities,” the DG said at a press briefing in Abuja.
The agency also said it was working closely with state governments, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to ensure a rapid and effective response to the outbreak.
It advised the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of cholera, by boiling and storing water in a clean and safe container before drinking.
