The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has activated the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in response to the cholera epidemic threat in the country.
This was made known by the Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, while addressing journalists in Abuja.
As of June 24, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths had been recorded across 31 states and 107 local government areas. It put the fatality rate at 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.
“In response to the rapidly increasing cholera cases, a dynamic risk assessment was conducted by subject matter experts on cholera outbreak situation in Nigeria last week,” he said.
“The subject matter experts were drawn from relevant ministries (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Water Resources, etc.), departments, agencies, stakeholders, and major partners. The outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at ‘High Risk’ of increased risk of cholera transmission and impact. This demands our immediate and coordinated actions and, therefore, necessitated the activation of the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Nigeria today.”
Providing an update on Nigeria’s cholera situation and ongoing prevention and response efforts, the NCDC director-general stated, “Activating the Cholera EOC reflects the seriousness of the situation and our commitment to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians.”
He emphasized that the fatalities are not mere statistics but represent the loss of loved ones and essential healthcare workers. He warned that the situation could worsen with the intensifying rainy season.
Idris said the EOC will serve as the nerve centre for the coordination of response across the country.
He said the emergency centre will also support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes, mobilise resources, expertise, and support from across the NCDC, partners, and stakeholders at all levels of government.
Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community or Google News online channel.