In response to the escalating cholera outbreak in Nigeria, the Federal Government has initiated discussions with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) to secure emergency supplies of oral cholera vaccines (OCV).
This move comes as the country grapples with the disease amid a global vaccine shortage.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), announced the development in Abuja.
He revealed that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, is spearheading the negotiations with GAVI.
The NCDC yesterday also reported a rise in the cholera death toll and the spread of the disease across 32 states and 115 local government areas.
“Nigeria utilises three World Health Organization (WHO) pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines, including Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus.
Two doses of any of these vaccines are required for full protection and are administered only to persons and groups at high risk,” Idris explained.
On the emergency vaccine request, Idris said:
“GAVI, a global health partnership, plays a pivotal role in improving access to vaccines in low-income countries. Through these negotiations, Nigeria aims to secure an emergency supply of cholera vaccines to curb the outbreak.”
Idris highlighted the surge in global demand for cholera vaccines, leading to a severe shortage, and noted that limited supply has strained efforts to control outbreaks in endemic regions, including Nigeria.
He emphasized that “vaccines alone are not the only preventative measures we have at the moment; we must also ensure environmental cleanliness and proper hand hygiene.”
The NCDC’s intensified public health campaigns stress hygiene practices and the importance of clean water, but these measures are insufficient without adequate vaccination coverage.
Idris pointed out that poor sanitation, inadequate clean water supply, and limited healthcare infrastructure have exacerbated the spread of cholera.
Increasing Death Toll and Spread
In a related development, Dr. Muntari Hassan, Deputy Director of Surveillance at the NCDC and National Incident Manager for cholera, reported that since the beginning of the year, 54 deaths and 1,579 suspected cases of cholera have been documented across 32 states and 115 local government areas.
“The situation is getting worse in terms of the number of deaths and reported cases. The worst affected states include Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, and Katsina,” Hassan noted.
The NCDC had earlier activated its Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to create a central response system.
Hassan emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral response involving various ministries, departments, and agencies, alongside international organizations like WHO and UNICEF.
Government and Consumer Protection Measures
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State attributed the cholera spread to poor sanitation and contaminated water intake. Speaking at the 2024 Lagos International Water Conference, he commended the state government’s proactive measures in controlling the outbreak.
“The current cholera crisis could have spiraled out of control if not for our swift actions,” he said.
In a related effort, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) directed supermarkets and stores to prominently display essential product information to help curb the cholera spread.
Afolabi Solebo, General Manager of LASCOPA, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in product labeling.
Challenges and Persistent Outbreaks
Cholera remains a persistent health threat in Nigeria, primarily spread through contaminated food and water. Open defecation, inadequate sanitation facilities, and poor hygiene practices contribute to recurring outbreaks.
Nigeria’s sanitation challenges have led to a yearly economic loss of approximately N455 billion due to healthcare spending and productivity impacts.
As the rainy season exacerbates the risk of cholera transmission, the NCDC continues to stress the importance of a coordinated response and international collaboration to ensure timely vaccine distribution and effective outbreak management.
