CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN NIGERIA IN 2024

The latest cholera outbreak in Nigeria has affected multiple states, with the most impacted regions including Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, and Zamfara. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)³, thousands of cases have been reported, with several hundred fatalities. The outbreak has put immense pressure on the already strained healthcare system, as medical facilities struggle to provide adequate care and treatment to the increasing number of patients. Cholera has also caused a ripple effect in the lives of the people that undergo some form of flooding. Meanwhile there are factors that have contributed to the current outbreak of cholera in Nigeria.

Many communities in Nigeria lack access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities. Open defecation, contaminated water sources, and poor waste management practices create a conducive environment for the cholera bacteria to thrive. The rainy season exacerbates the spread of cholera as floodwaters can contaminate drinking water sources with sewage and other pollutants. Additionally, the Nigeria’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate facilities, insufficient medical supplies, and a shortage of healthcare workers. These limitations hinder the ability to provide timely and effective treatment to cholera patients. Another important contributing factor to the Cholera exacerbation is the fact that many people in affected areas may not be fully aware of the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for cholera, leading to delayed treatment and increased transmission.

To successfully, combat the cholera outbreak effectively, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Some of the key actions that need to be taken include:

1. Improving the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). This can be done by ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities is paramount. Initiatives to build and maintain latrines, provide safe drinking water, and promote hygiene practices such as handwashing can significantly reduce the spread of cholera.
2. Cholera outbreak can be combatted by strengthening the healthcare services in Nigeria. Enhancing the capacity of healthcare facilities to manage cholera cases is crucial. This includes providing adequate medical supplies, ensuring timely treatment, and training healthcare workers in cholera management protocols.
3. The role of public awareness campaigns and education cannot be over emphasized. Educating the public about cholera prevention, symptoms, and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention can help curb the spread of the disease. Community engagement and the use of mass media can be effective tools in spreading awareness.
4. There is also a need to deploy rapid response teams to the affected areas to help with early detection, containment, and treatment of cholera cases. These teams can also assist in identifying and addressing potential sources of contamination.
5. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies need to collaborate closely to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the outbreak. Sharing resources, expertise, and information can enhance the overall impact of intervention efforts⁴.