Nigeria has recorded more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and about 195 Local Government Areas, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, noting that cases had declined significantly from the peak earlier in the season. He, however, warned that transmission was still ongoing, with the rainy season and possible flooding capable of contaminating water sources and worsening sanitation challenges.
Idris said Borno had recorded the highest number of cases, while improved access to treatment had contributed to better outcomes. He stressed that treatment alone could not stop cholera, urging sustained investment in safe water, sanitation, hygiene and environmental health. Authorities are also implementing oral cholera vaccination, water chlorination, rehabilitation of water sources and community awareness campaigns.
On diphtheria, the NCDC boss said Nigeria had recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases during the year, with Kano, Borno and Bauchi among the states with the highest burden. He identified inadequate vaccination coverage, vaccine hesitancy, insecurity and displacement as major challenges, urging Nigerians to use safe water, practise good hygiene and ensure children receive recommended vaccines.
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