The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a stark warning about the escalating cholera outbreak, reporting 359 deaths nationwide in the first nine months of 2024. This alarming update was part of a press statement released today, highlighting the critical situation in Lagos and other affected regions.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okafor, a public health expert, emphasized the severity of the outbreak: “Cholera, a water-borne disease, thrives in environments where clean water is scarce. The situation in Lagos is dire, with many communities relying on contaminated water sources”.
The NCDC’s Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, called for increased resources and international support to combat the outbreak: “We need more resources to effectively combat this outbreak. International aid and collaboration are essential in our fight against cholera”.
In Lagos, the state government has intensified efforts to curb the spread of the disease. Dr. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, stressed the importance of public awareness: “Public awareness is crucial in preventing the spread of cholera. We urge residents to boil water before drinking and to maintain proper sanitation practices”.
The NCDC reported a 220% increase in suspected cholera cases, rising from 3,387 last year to 10,837 this year. Most of those affected are children under the age of five, underscoring the vulnerability of the youngest members of the population.
Efforts to combat the outbreak include the distribution of vaccines and the provision of clean water. “We are prioritizing the most affected areas with vaccines and clean water supplies,” stated Dr. Ihekweazu. “However, the demand far exceeds our current supply”.
The Lagos State government has launched awareness campaigns to educate residents on hygiene and the dangers of consuming contaminated water. Despite these efforts, the outbreak continues to pose a significant threat, with the NCDC calling for increased international support to manage the crisis.
