Nigeria is facing a severe cholera outbreak, with over 350 deaths reported in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a staggering 239 percent increase compared to the same period last year. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), a total of 359 deaths were recorded between January and September, up from 106 deaths during the same timeframe in 2023.
The NCDC’s latest report also highlighted a sharp rise in suspected cholera cases, which soared to 10,837 this year, compared to just 3,387 cases in 2023. Alarmingly, children under the age of five represent the majority of those affected.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, reported the highest number of cholera cases. Meanwhile, authorities in Borno State, located in the northeastern region of the country, announced a cholera outbreak on Friday. This outbreak is compounded by widespread flooding that has displaced nearly two million people, further intensifying the public health crisis.
Health officials are urging swift action to control the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations as the nation grapples with this ongoing health emergency.
