A cholera outbreak has affected 30 states in Nigeria, with over 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases reported, resulting in 30 deaths. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the outbreak, with Lagos State recording 350 suspected cases and 15 fatalities.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have held an emergency meeting to discuss joint support for the Nigerian government to combat the outbreak.
As the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) prepares to open its orientation camps, medical experts warn that poor sanitary conditions and lack of clean water and hygiene facilities can predispose corps members to cholera. They urge the NYSC authorities to ensure camps are clean and suitable for habitation, with provision of clean water supply and environmental sanitation.
Public health professionals stress the necessity of coordinated actions to combat cholera, such as promoting knowledge on water cleanliness, maintaining sanitary environments, and practicing good hand hygiene. Additionally, they underscore the significance of access to safe drinking water, hygienic toilets, and appropriate waste management practices.
The FCT Secondary Education Board has sensitized schools in the Federal Capital Territory on preventive measures, including sanitation and monitoring of food vendors. The Ondo State Government has also activated its surveillance system to combat the spread of cholera.