Nigeria is grappling with a surge in cholera cases, as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports 121 new suspected cases across five states.
This outbreak has pushed the total number of suspected cases to 5,951 nationwide, with one additional death recorded in the past week.
According to the NCDC’s latest cholera situation report, covering August 5-11, 2024, the new cases were distributed across Lagos, Abia, Kwara, Adamawa, and Kano states. Lagos emerged as the epicenter, reporting 117 of the 121 new cases, while the other four states each reported one case.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of the NCDC, provided context on the outbreak’s severity:
“The continuous cholera surge has been linked to contaminated water supply, unregulated street beverages, and open defecation. We’re particularly concerned about the impact on children under five, who are the most affected group.”
The cumulative death toll has risen to 176 suspected cases, with a fatality ratio of 3.0 percent.
Since January 2024, cholera cases have been reported in all 36 states and 247 local government areas of Nigeria.
Comparing year-on-year data, the NCDC noted a significant increase in both cases and deaths.
Dr. Ihekweazu stated, “Between August 2023 and August 2024, suspected cholera cases rose by 108 percent and cumulative deaths by 105 percent. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for intensified prevention and control measures.”
The gender distribution of cases shows a slight male predominance, with 53 percent of suspected cases in males and 47 percent in females.
Addressing the underlying causes, Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, called for a unified approach:
“As part of the nationwide effort to fight cholera, the state government needs to put an end to open defecation so that faeces do not come into the food that people consume or the water that people drink.”
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Nigeria’s struggle with open defecation, ranking second globally after India, has been identified as a significant factor in the cholera outbreak.
The minister emphasized the need for widespread public education on proper sanitation practices.
As Nigeria continues to battle this public health crisis, authorities are urging citizens to practice good hygiene, ensure access to clean water, and avoid open defecation.
The government’s response will be crucial in curbing the spread of cholera and preventing further loss of life.
