FG seeks cholera vaccine aid as cases reach 1,579
The Federal Government is considering obtaining emergency vaccine doses from the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, to address the cholera outbreak currently affecting the country.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, expressed the organization’s concern over the outbreak in Nigeria through a post on her X handle @SaniaNishtar on Thursday. She stated that Gavi and its partners are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to support the government’s response efforts.
“Deeply concerned about the ongoing #cholera outbreak in Nigeria. @Gavi and partners are closely monitoring the cholera outbreak, and stand ready to support the government to quickly respond, including to request emergency vaccine doses where needed,” Nishtar tweeted.
“The global cholera stockpile, which is funded by Gavi, is currently fully replenished and ready to help contain outbreaks and protect those at highest risk.”
READ ALSO: Katsina records 118 cholera cases, activates emergency response
There are three World Health Organisation pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines available: Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol®. Two doses of these vaccines are required for full protection.
On Monday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention activated the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), highlighting the seriousness of the situation in the country. The NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, stated that the EOC would serve as the central hub for coordinating the response across the nation.
It will also support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes.
“It will ensure efficient deployment of needed resources, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity and capabilities, enhance case management, training, and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities,” Idris explained.
Dr. Muntari Hassan, Incident Manager of the EOC, reported that the cholera outbreak had claimed 54 lives as of Wednesday, with 1,579 suspected cases recorded in 32 states across 115 local government areas.
“The outbreak has been declared an emergency, hence the activation of the Emergency Operation Centre on Monday,” he said.
In Osun State, the Commissioner for Health, Mr. Jola Akinola, shared that out of 14 suspected cases, 13 results have been confirmed negative, with one result still pending.
He emphasized that the state would maintain its vigilance to prevent a cholera outbreak.
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