Cholera is Treatable, Preventable – NCDC’s Muntari Hassan Tells Nigerians
Dr. Muntari Hassan, the National Incident Manager for Cholera at the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has emphasised the severity of the current cholera crisis in Nigeria, asserting that the disease is both preventable and treatable.
During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, June 26, 2024, Hassan disclosed alarming statistics. So far, the country has recorded 1,579 reported cases across 32 states and 115 local government areas, with 54 fatalities. He underscored Nigeria’s status as a cholera-endemic country, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive intervention measures.
Central to the NCDC’s strategy is a newly inaugurated emergency operations center, spearheaded by NCDC Director General Jide Idris. This center is a hub for coordinating a robust, multi-agency response, integrating federal ministries and key partners such as UNICEF.
Hassan pinpointed persistent challenges contributing to cholera outbreaks, notably inadequate water sanitation and hygiene practices. He stressed the imperative of heightened surveillance, laboratory confirmation, and the establishment of well-equipped treatment facilities across affected regions.
Acknowledging collaborative efforts, Hassan commended initiatives by federal ministries, particularly the Ministry of Water Resources, in combating cholera. He emphasized personal accountability, urging Nigerians to uphold rigorous hygiene standards and ensure drinking water safety.
“We don’t need money to wash our hands,” Hassan emphasized, advocating for a grassroots approach to prevention.
The states most impacted by the outbreak—Abia, Lagos, and Bayelsa—were identified.
In a bid to enhance public awareness, the NCDC has launched community engagement initiatives and broadcast educational jingles on cholera prevention strategies.
Despite the daunting challenges, Hassan expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capability to address the cholera crisis effectively. He reiterated that cholera-related deaths are preventable, underscoring the importance of sustained investment and collaborative action at both federal and state levels.
Yesterday, President Bola Tinubu instructed the establishment of a cabinet committee that will oversee an emergency operations center led by the NCDC.
Although Hassan appealed for immediate action against cholera, urging Nigerians to unite in safeguarding public health, this is not the first time Nigeria is witnessing an outbreak.
In 2022, the country witnessed over 23,000 suspected cases of cholera, resulting in 592 deaths. Last year, 128 people reportedly died of the disease.
