The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that Nigeria’s cholera outbreak is not over, despite a major drop in weekly cases.
The agency said more than 65,000 suspected cases have been recorded across 35 states and about 195 Local Government Areas this year. It warned that cases could rise again between late August and October as the rainy season continues.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said flooding, unsafe water and poor sanitation could undo progress made against the disease.
“Cholera transmission is ongoing, and we must therefore consolidate the gains made so far and prevent another rise in cases,” Idris said.
He also disclosed that Nigeria had recorded more than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases this year, although the death rate had dropped considerably from the same period last year.
Kano, Borno and Bauchi remain among the states most affected by diphtheria, with inadequate vaccination coverage driving continued transmission.
“The central issue is that too many children remain unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated,” he said.
Idris said vaccine hesitancy, insecurity, displacement, population movement and poor access to underserved communities were affecting vaccination efforts.
He stressed that treatment alone cannot defeat cholera, as unsafe water, open defecation, damaged water systems and poor sanitation continue to fuel transmission.
“While treatment saves lives, we cannot treat our way out of cholera,” he said.
The NCDC said it is working with state governments and partners on surveillance, laboratory support, treatment, vaccination, water safety and community engagement.
Idris urged state and local governments to provide safe water, improve sanitation, strengthen vaccination and ensure affected communities have access to treatment.
He also advised Nigerians to begin oral rehydration immediately after frequent watery diarrhoea and seek medical care quickly.
He said: “If we act early, sustain the response and work together, we can prevent infections, save lives and bring these outbreaks under control.”
