Nigeria’s Cholera Threat

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, is currently facing a cholera outbreak that threatens the safety and health of the Lagos populace and Nigeria at large. Over the years, there have been cholera outbreaks in various parts of the country, mostly in areas affected by violent conflicts. According to a cholera situation report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), as of June 2, 2024, thirty states in Nigeria have reported suspected cases of cholera.

Several factors have contributed to the spread of cholera in Lagos. Many parts of the city suffer from inadequate sanitation facilities. Open defecation and poor waste management practices lead to the contamination of water sources with cholera bacteria. Access to clean and safe drinking water is limited, with contaminated water sources serving as a primary vehicle for cholera transmission. The high population density in Lagos facilitates the rapid spread of infectious diseases, and overburdened healthcare facilities with limited access to medical care hinder the prompt treatment of cholera cases.

In response to this crisis, the government of Lagos state has taken several steps to control the cholera outbreak, such as distributing Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) and public orientation campaigns to create awareness and prevent future occurrences. However, the efforts of the Lagos state government alone will not do much to combat cholera in Nigeria. The federal government needs to collaborate with all state governments to build and maintain proper sanitation facilities to stop open defecation and improve waste disposal systems. Expanding access to clean and safe drinking water is essential, including treating existing water sources and developing new, safe water. This way, the water sources carrying cholera bacteria are treated at their sources. Public health campaigns to sensitise the population about the importance of handwashing with soap and proper drinking water treatment can also significantly reduce transmission.

Collaborating with international humanitarian organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), who have worked actively to end cholera in Nigeria, will ensure expertise in combating the disease. Community involvement is another critical aspect of managing the outbreak. Training and deploying community health volunteers can help educate the public, monitor the situation, and distribute hygiene supplies. Engaging local leaders and community groups in the fight against cholera can improve compliance with public health measures and foster community-driven solutions. The cholera outbreak in Lagos is a public health emergency that requires urgent and coordinated action. The consequences of a full-blown epidemic will be chaotic for Nigerians and Nigeria’s economic machinery. Improving water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, enhancing surveillance and response mechanisms, and involving the community are ways to limit the progression of this threat and ensure effective situation management and zero cholera casualties in the future.