The cholera outbreak in Nigeria has escalated, claiming the lives of 63 individuals across 33 states, with a total of 2,102 suspected cases reported as of June 30, 2024.
This marks an increase from previous figures, which recorded 54 deaths and 1,579 cases in 115 local government areas spanning 32 states just days earlier.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, July 2, by Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the country’s case fatality rate stands at 3.0% since the beginning of the year.
Ten states, including Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta, account for approximately 90% of reported cases, with seven of these states located in the southern region.
Idris stated, “The agency is monitoring the situation nationwide with the activation of the National Cholera Multisectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) that parades an array of subject matter experts and provides strategic coordination, meets daily, and provides periodic situation reports for stakeholders.”
He continued, “This also ensures effective mobilization, harmonization, and distribution of resources to support the affected states.”
“These will help facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making,” he added.
He emphasized, “Efforts need to be doubled to ensure more LGAs are open defecation free and see to the provision of dedicated and equipped facilities for managing cholera cases with relevant treatment and infection prevention and control supplies in place.”
Idris urged, “As the NCDC continues to work with partners to lead the health-sector response to cholera outbreaks, we hereby call on all stakeholders—government agencies, sub-national level actors, partners, civil society organization, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and every citizen—to play our parts actively to stem the tide of this outbreak and redouble efforts to contain the spread and prevent further loss of lives.”