As the death toll from Nigeria’s latest cholera outbreak reaches 40, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised concerns over the country’s insufficient vaccine supply. Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, confirmed that Nigeria has requested additional cholera vaccines from donor agencies, although the delivery date remains uncertain.
Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures to curb the spread of cholera, a severe diarrheal disease caused by the ingestion of Vibrio cholerae bacteria through contaminated food and water.
An investigation by Saturday PUNCH revealed that cholera has claimed 4,364 lives out of 139,730 suspected cases across Nigeria over the past four years. This data was derived from weekly cholera situation reports released by the NCDC between 2021 and 2024.
The NCDC recently warned of a rising trend in cholera cases due to intensified rainy season conditions. From January 1 to June 11, 2024, there were 1,141 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths reported across 96 local government areas in 30 states.
Lagos State has been particularly affected, with the Ministry of Health reporting 417 suspected cases, 35 confirmed cases, and 24 deaths as of June 19, 2024. The cases span multiple LGAs, including Agege, Badagry, and Ikeja.
Ogun State has also reported 14 cases and one death, contributing to the national total of 1,222 suspected cases, 88 confirmed cases, and 40 deaths this year.
The NCDC’s multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, which includes federal ministries, international organizations, and various partners, is providing support to affected states.
Dr. Idris noted that the demand for cholera vaccines surpasses supply, highlighting the need for advanced planning and a combination of preventive measures. He stated, “We don’t have enough vaccines to prevent an outbreak. To get vaccines, we need to plan ahead, and we don’t have the funds. Cholera vaccines don’t provide long-lasting immunity, so we must adopt multiple control measures.”
Public health experts have recommended preventive vaccination against cholera. Prof. Tanimola Akande and Dr. Kenechukwu Igwegbe urged Nigerians to consider taking the cholera vaccine, especially given the recurring outbreaks. The World Health Organization has identified three prequalified oral cholera vaccines: Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol-Plus®.
The Lagos State Government linked the latest cholera outbreak in Eti-Osa LGA to an unregistered tiger nut drink. Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, reported that investigations found a common link to this drink among affected individuals.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has intensified preventive measures to protect inmates and staff from cholera, with no reported outbreaks in their facilities.
The NCDC continues to work with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other partners to address the outbreak and secure additional vaccine supplies. A source from NPHCDA mentioned that while cholera vaccines are not routinely available, the agency has stockpiled vaccines for rapid response during outbreaks.
As the situation evolves, the NCDC and state health authorities urge the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent further spread of the disease.
