The National Incident Manager for Cholera at the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Muntari Hassan has accentuated the current cholera crisis in Nigeria saying that Cholera is preventable and treatable, nobody should die of cholera.
During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Dr. Hassan reported that 54 people have died from the outbreak, with 1,579 cases reported across 32 states and 115 local government areas. He emphasised that “Nigeria is a cholera endemic country,” and noted the ongoing concern, which led to the NCDC conducting a “dynamic risk assessment.”
Dr. Hassan explained the importance of a coordinated response structure for managing epidemics, not just cholera. He mentioned that the NCDC’s Director General, Jide Idris, had inaugurated an emergency operation center and appointed an incident manager to oversee the response. This center brings together multiple agencies, including federal ministries and partners like UNICEF, ensuring a multi-sectoral response.
Addressing the underlying issues, Dr. Hassan stated, “Cholera remains a significant problem in Nigeria because the factors that cause it still exist,” such as inadequate water sanitation and hygiene practices. He stressed the need for intensified surveillance, laboratory confirmation, and well-equipped cholera treatment centers.
Dr. Hassan also mentioned that efforts are being made by various federal ministries, particularly the Ministry of Water Resources, to combat cholera. He noted that individual responsibility is crucial, urging Nigerians to practice good hygiene and ensure their drinking water is safe.
“We don’t need money to wash our hands,” he noted.
The states currently most affected by the outbreak are Abia, Lagos, and Bayelsa. Dr. Hassan underscored the importance of sanitation, explaining that even with access to portable water, poor sanitation can still lead to contamination.
The NCDC has developed community engagement practices and jingles to educate the public on cholera prevention. Dr. Hassan expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to address the cholera issue, emphasising that cholera is treatable and preventable, and ideally, “nobody should die of cholera.”
He concluded by advising Nigerians to take personal responsibility for hygiene and to ensure safe drinking water, urging for increased investment at both federal and state levels.
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