NCDC, States Present Conflicting Cholera Data

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 2,102 suspected cholera cases and 63 deaths across 33 states and 122 local government areas (LGAs) in the country. However, some states listed by the NCDC have contested these claims, stating that they have not recorded any cholera outbreaks.

Officials from states such as Plateau, Taraba, Abia, Benue, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Niger, Borno, Delta, Kano, and Kaduna have denied the presence of cholera cases as reported by the NCDC. This discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy of the data being reported and the coordination between state and federal health agencies.

Conflicting Reports and State Reactions

During a media conference on cholera outbreak response in Abuja, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris disclosed that Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta are among the top ten states contributing to about 90 percent of the reported cases. As of June 30, 2024, a total of 2,102 suspected cases and 63 deaths were recorded, with a case fatality rate of 30 percent.

Dr. Idris identified inadequate toilet facilities, poor sanitation, and lack of access to safe water as major factors contributing to the spread of cholera. He emphasized that only 123 out of 774 LGAs in Nigeria are open defecation-free, with Jigawa being the only state fully free of open defecation practices. Furthermore, he highlighted that more than 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, exacerbating the cholera problem.

State-Specific Data and Responses

In Ogun State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, confirmed that 44 cholera cases have been reported across ten local government areas, with one death recorded. The affected LGAs include Remo North, Ado Odo-Ota, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Obafemi-Owode, Ewekoro, Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, and Ipokia. Dr. Coker noted that new cases have recently been identified in Sagamu and Ado Odo-Ota.

In Katsina, the state’s Primary Health Care Development Agency reported 118 suspected cholera cases and two deaths. The agency has activated its incident management system to curb the spread of the disease in ten LGAs.

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NCDC’s Strategic Response

Dr. Idris explained that the recently activated National Cholera Multisectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) is providing strategic coordination for the response efforts. The EOC focuses on coordination, surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and community engagement. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services, which are critical in combating cholera.

The NCDC is also working on a costed incidence action plan to facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making to tackle the cholera outbreak effectively.

Conclusion

The conflicting reports between the NCDC and various state governments highlight the challenges in accurately tracking and managing cholera outbreaks in Nigeria. Improved coordination, better sanitation infrastructure, and enhanced data accuracy are essential to effectively address and prevent cholera.

Source:http://Leadership

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