It is quite unfortunate to state that 6 years to the end of the duration set for the retaliation of the SDG agenda, Nigeria is recording an outbreak of cholera in the mega-city of Lagos. The recent outbreak of cholera in the economic centre of Nigeria has been a point of concern for both local and international stakeholders interacting with the state and Nigeria as a whole.
Particularly, it is a public health concern considering the severity of the contagiousness of the strain of the virus discovered after the lab tests: 0-1 type of cholera. Not only because risks assessments have pointed to the notion that Lagos State and other regions of Nigeria are not prepared to curtail such contagious ailment but also because of the level at which the fatalities being caused are rising.
As at the time of writing this publication, 417 people are suspected to have contacted the ailment in Lagos and 35 confirmed cases have been recorded. 24 deaths have also been confirmed of the 305 cases confirmed. Statistically, the date rate recorded in Lagos is 70 percent. Ogun State has also confirmed 5 cases of cholera and have recorded 1 death in the Ijebu North LGA of the state.
Globally, 1,932 deaths have been caused by cholera this year, according to the World Health Organization which reported that there’s 194,897 confirmed cases in 24 countries in the first 5 months of the year. As a state characterised by socially and culturally inefficient water, sanitation and hygiene systems, there is the need for the Kwara State Government to prepare.
The NCDC’s week 23 epidemiological report on cholera stated that as at the 2nd of June 2024, Kwara has recorded 2 cases of cholera in the year 2024. Fortunately, none of the cases recorded ended in fatality. What this pointed to however is the signal that the state is not proofed against the outbreak. This is thus another reason to accentuate the preparation of our facilities and systems including policy and heath workforce.
While it is imperative that no new cases have been uncovered in Kwara State following the Lagos’ cases, it is important that the government prepare ahead. It isn’t certain when we’ll record one. The goal is to record none, but we have to be prepared. This will entail cross-agency collaboration and support with the communities to develop mechanisms for localising preventive education.
Communication with the people is key. Citizens should be informed of how to better prevent themselves. It is necessary for the Kwara state government to collaborate with international and local health-focused organisations (NGOs) to share intelligence, coordinate responses, access resources, and exchange information. It is also imperative that the government and all stakeholders commences a risk assessment based on reports of previous cases and characteristics of segments of the state that are most vulnerable to the outbreak. The risk assessment should be followed by a surveillance system that incorporates the people using data and technology.By working together, the Government can contain the outbreak and prevent potential risks associated with the crisis. The Kwara State government is hereby admonished to immediately launch a cross-agency hygiene practice awareness campaigns and promote handwashing among the people reaching most importantly to the vulnerable communities.
Also important at this critical time is the need to provide safe drinking water and WASH facilities to schools and communities around the state. With emphasis on community engagement, collaboration and awareness, the state can easily be prepared to tackle any case of cholera if any is ever recorded. Vaccination campaigns will go a long way in reducing the risk of infection among citizens. Thus, launching a campaign that brings the vaccine closer to the populace at the critical time will enhance prevention and preparedness of the outbreak. This is a call to immediate attention for the Kwara state government and state health authorities to enhance surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent an oaautbreak of cholera protecting the wellbeing of the people of the state.
About the writers: Atunde Ahmed Olarewaju is a Health System and Policy Researcher working with MedBase and Jimoh Habibullahi is Healthcare Manager & Public Health Advocate with a versatile portfolio working
Aishat Yusuf is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist, and author with a passion for telling stories about politics, health, security, and education. She is currently a correspondent with Satcom Media Consults