Cholera Cases Decline by 92% as Surveillance Tightens
Nigeria has recorded over 92 percent decline in cholera cases across the country following tightened surveillance efforts.
There were 116 suspected cholera cases reported across several states in the first half of July, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
Lagos state had the most cases with 102, followed by Ebonyi with 6. Niger, Oyo, Bauchi, and Kogi each reported 2 cases.
Sadly, three deaths were recorded from these cases, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 2.6 percent.
Over a week ago, the federal government inaugurated a Steering Committee On Clean Nigeria Campaign to combat the key drivers of the cholera epidemic: open defecation and the lack of potable water.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said the administration of President Bola Tinubu plans to end open defecation by 2025, integrating technology in implementing sustainable solutions to boost sanitation nationwide.
Emphasising the import of hygiene and health on development and wealth, Shettima said: “The committee must align with broader government priorities and interventions in poverty reduction, education, and economic growth.”
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NCDC-led efforts saw healthcare workers conduct tests to diagnose cholera as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were done on 12 patients, with 4 positive results, the centre stated in a report released on Monday. Stool culture tests were performed on 15 patients, identifying 2 positive cases.
The centre notes that the National Multi-Sectoral Cholera Technical Working Group (TWG) will continue to monitor the response efforts across different states.
As of 7th July 2024, a total of 2,809 suspected cases including 82 deaths have been reported from 33 states.
Nigeria faces several challenges in tackling cholera outbreaks including difficulty reaching some communities due to security concerns, hindering aid and awareness efforts, the NCDC said.
It explained that open defecation and a lack of safe drinking water, especially in rural areas and urban slums, increase the risk of infection and create a breeding ground for the bacteria.
In addition, poor hygiene practices in many cholera-prone communities and inadequate healthcare facilities and supplies such as Ringer’s lactate and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for treating patients pose a challenge to eliminating the disease.
SOURCE: Business Day
