The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed $4.4 million (approximately N7.4 billion) to support efforts against cholera in Lagos. This significant funding aims to address the recurrent cholera outbreaks that have plagued the densely populated city, particularly in underserved communities.
Cholera, a highly contagious disease caused by ingesting water or food contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, leads to acute diarrhea, dehydration, and can be fatal if untreated. Lagos, with its overcrowded living conditions and limited access to clean water and sanitation, has been particularly vulnerable to cholera outbreaks. As of late October 2024, Lagos State recorded 17 confirmed cholera cases, with 15 resulting in fatalities. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported approximately 350 suspected cases across 29 wards in Lagos.
The funding falls under the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LUWASH) Activity, a five-year programme managed by Chemonics International and partners. The initiative focuses on several key objectives to reduce cholera transmission and promote sustainable sanitation and hygiene practices:
- Upgrading WASH Infrastructure: Funds will be directed towards developing reliable water supply systems, improved sanitation facilities, and promoting effective hygiene practices, particularly in cholera-prone areas.
- Community Engagement and Education: USAID aims to raise public awareness on cholera prevention through local campaigns. These efforts will emphasize sanitation practices and safe water consumption to reduce disease risk.
- Strengthening Healthcare Response: The program will improve healthcare capacity to manage cholera cases by training workers and strengthening disease surveillance systems, ensuring rapid response to any outbreak.
- Long-term Sustainability: Beyond immediate cholera response, USAID’s initiative promotes sustainable WASH practices, aiming to build resilience and safeguard communities against future outbreaks.
USAID’s investment aligns with Nigeria’s wider public health goals and Sustainable Development Goal 6, which promotes universal access to clean water and sanitation. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce cholera transmission, morbidity, and mortality rates in Lagos State, while promoting behavioral change to prevent future outbreaks.
