The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted on increasing cholera cases nationwide, with 30 deaths, 1,141 suspected cases, and 65 confirmed cases reported, as The Vanguardreports. Disclosing this in a public advisory, the Director-General of the Centre, Dr Jide Idris, said the cases that occurred between January and June 11, 2024, were reported from 96 LGAs in 30 states. He stated that the 10 states that contributed 90 percent to the burden of cholera include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos States.
He urged Nigerians to be wary of the increasing trend of cholera cases across the country as the rainy season intensifies, explaining that disease can be prevented by ensuring access to safe, potable drinking water, proper sanitation and waste disposal, and appropriate hygiene, including handwashing. Idris advised Nigerians to reduce the risk of cholera by ensuring that water is boiled and stored in a clean, covered container before drinking.
The Blue Community NEWARI, Network of Water Rights Initiative from Nigeria, commented the Cholera outbreak:
Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria and key things you need to know about this “disease of poverty”. Cholera is DEADLY BUT PREVENTABLE!!! With improved access to clean water and sanitation, we can curb this ugly trend.
NEWARI’s Temple Oraeki stated already back in 2020:
Sadly, we spent more on cure than prevention. Looking at the chart, a breakdown of the diseases on health spendings won’t be far from typhoid, malaria, cholera & diarrhoea – All water-related diseases. We spend the least on clean water just to spend more on health! it’s important to know that nobody regulates the quality of private water service providers, including our private boreholes. Sadly, water-related diseases (cholera, Malaria…,) have been accepted as a norm in our clime.
