NCDC STRENGTHENS SURVEILLANCE TO CHECK CHOLERA AND DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAK

Nigeria is recording a decline in cholera and diphtheria cases and fatalities, but the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says the outbreaks are far from over, with vaccine hesitancy, poor sanitation and unsafe hygiene practices continuing to fuel transmission.

Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, discloses this in Abuja while giving an update on the national response to the two outbreaks.

He says Nigeria has recorded more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and about 195 Local Government Areas, while over 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases have been reported this year.

To strengthen the response, the NCDC says it has intensified surveillance and deployed National Rapid Response Teams to affected states, including Borno, where the highest number of cholera cases has been recorded.

The statement notes that in Borno, teams are investigating transmission sources and assessing water points, sanitation and chlorination gaps.

The Agency says treatment brought closer to affected communities is improving outcomes, while oral rehydration points, strengthened treatment centres, water chlorination and oral cholera vaccination are being used in high-burden areas.

For diphtheria, the response is centred on reactive vaccination, early case detection and treatment, particularly in Kano, Borno and Bauchi, where cases remain concentrated.

But the NCDC warns that federal intervention alone cannot end the outbreaks.

States and Local Governments are being urged to strengthen vaccination, improve access to safe water and sanitation, repair critical infrastructure and ensure that affected communities have adequate treatment and rapid-response capacity.
Healthcare workers have also been advised to recognise, report and manage suspected cases promptly.

For cholera, the NCDC says dehydration must be treated without delay.
With cholera transmission still ongoing and diphtheria vaccination gaps persisting, the agency is calling for stronger action by states and local governments — particularly on safe water, sanitation, surveillance and immunisation.

And for communities, the message is clear: use safe drinking water, maintain proper sanitation, wash hands regularly with soap and clean running water, prepare food safely and seek medical attention early.

Anyone who develops frequent watery diarrhoea, with or without vomiting, should begin oral rehydration solution immediately and proceed to the nearest health facility.

It urges Parents and caregivers to ensure that children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria and to complete any missed doses.

The NCDC says the decline in cholera cases and improved survival rates for both diseases are encouraging, but warns that complacency could reverse the gains.

The agency says sustained action by governments, healthcare workers, communities and families will be critical to bringing both outbreaks under control.