A recent cholera outbreak in Nigeria has caused widespread concern, with Lagos among the affected states. The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has urged the public to exercise extreme caution after reports of 30 deaths and 1,141 suspected cases across multiple states. As the outbreak spreads, it is crucial for individuals to enhance their hygiene practices, while the government at all levels provides support to the affected.
Cholera cases have been reported in Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos, raising fears of a broader spread. With the upcoming Salah celebrations, Nigerians must recognize the seriousness of the outbreak and take immediate preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water. The bacteria, Vibrio cholerae, thrive in unsanitary conditions and where clean drinking water is scarce. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
The Global Task Force on Cholera Control highlights that cholera predominantly affects the poor in underdeveloped regions. While eradicated in Europe and North America for over a century, periodic outbreaks persist in Nigeria, largely due to poverty and poor hygiene practices.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported cholera outbreaks in 23 countries in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean in 2021, increasing to 29 in 2022. The NBMA, in collaboration with health authorities, is actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to contain the spread. However, individual and community actions are equally crucial in combating this outbreak.
NBMA Director-General Agnes Asagbra emphasized the need for vigilance and good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of cholera. Nigerians should ensure all drinking water is boiled or purified using certified methods. Proper hand hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, can significantly reduce infection risk.
Food should be cooked thoroughly and eaten hot, while raw foods like fruits and vegetables should only be consumed if they can be peeled or washed with safe water. If possible, avoid fruits that cannot be peeled.
Maintaining a clean environment and proper waste disposal are essential to prevent contamination. While individual actions are vital, the government’s role in managing and mitigating the outbreak cannot be overstated.
State governors, health commissioners, and relevant authorities should establish robust health surveillance systems to detect and respond to outbreaks swiftly. Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to educate the populace about cholera prevention and the importance of hygiene.
Governments must ensure that all communities have access to clean and safe drinking water, setting up emergency water purification stations in affected areas and improving existing water infrastructure. Water provision should be maintained year-round.
Healthcare facilities need adequate supplies and personnel to handle cholera cases, including rehydration solutions, antibiotics, and trained medical staff capable of managing outbreaks. Collaboration with international health organizations can provide additional expertise, resources, and logistical support to effectively contain the outbreak.
Proactive measures must be implemented to prevent deaths. This includes timely interventions, transparent communication with the public, and ensuring healthcare facilities are prepared to manage cholera cases.
The cholera outbreak in Lagos is a public health emergency requiring immediate and comprehensive action. By adhering to hygiene practices, ensuring access to clean water, and maintaining a vigilant health surveillance system, the Lagos government can prevent further loss of life. The same applies to other state governments, whether or not the disease has broken out there.
Nigerians should heed the NBMA warning and take collective responsibility for their health and safety. Together, we can overcome this challenge and protect our communities from the scourge of cholera.
Citizens must stay informed and work together to make Nigeria a healthier place. This outbreak should prompt health commissioners in all 36 states to take proactive measures. Statements issued after deaths are insufficient; proactive measures must be taken to prevent such tragedies.
State governments should eradicate open defecation, a significant factor in cholera transmission. The median on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, stained with excreta, is a stark example of this problem. Open defecation is a common issue across Nigeria, contributing to the spread of diseases. Governments must clamp down on this practice and provide public toilet facilities with running water and security.
India, Nigeria, and Pakistan have the highest incidence of open defecation globally. According to the World Bank Open Data, 18.44 percent of Nigerians practiced open defecation as of 2022, while countries like Algeria and Sudan have eradicated it.
The cholera outbreak is a public health emergency requiring immediate and comprehensive action. By adhering to hygiene practices, ensuring access to clean water, and maintaining a vigilant health surveillance system, Nigeria can prevent further losses. Nigerians should heed the NBMA warning and take collective responsibility for their health and safety.
The fight against cholera is a collective responsibility. The government, health authorities, and citizens must all play their part. The time to act is now.
