The Federal Government revealed it has initiated discussions with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) to secure additional supplies of cholera vaccines.
Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), today in Abuja.
NAN reports that Nigeria is grappling with a cholera outbreak amidst a global shortage of vaccines.
Idris noted that, recognising the urgent need for vaccines, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has entered into discussions with Gavi.
“Gavi, a global health partnership, plays a pivotal role in improving access to vaccines in low-income countries.
“Through these negotiations, Nigeria aims to secure an emergency supply of cholera vaccines to curb the outbreak.
“At present, cholera vaccines are not stocked in our public facilities, though they are available in limited quantities in the private sector.
“But vaccines alone are not the only preventative measures we have at the moment; we must also ensure environmental cleanliness and proper hand hygiene,” he explained. He highlighted that globally, the demand for cholera vaccines has surged, leading to severe shortage.
“This limited supply has strained efforts to control outbreaks in endemic regions, including Nigeria.
“Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food, remains a persistent health threat in Nigeria.
“The outbreak has significantly impacted several states, leading to numerous deaths and overwhelming healthcare facilities.
“Poor sanitation, inadequate clean water supply, and limited healthcare infrastructure have exacerbated spread of the disease,” Idris explained.
In response to the crisis, he said the NCDC has intensified its public health campaigns, emphasising hygiene practices and the importance of clean water.
“However, these measures alone are insufficient without adequate vaccination coverage. The shortage of vaccines has hampered mass immunisation campaigns, crucial for preventing spread of cholera.
“The situation in Nigeria underscores broader issues of global health equity and preparedness. It highlights the necessity for increased investment in vaccine production and distribution infrastructure,” he stated.
Additionally, he called for stronger international collaboration to ensure that life-saving vaccines reached the most vulnerable populations in a timely manner.
In response to the escalating cholera outbreak in 31 states of the federation, he said the NCDC has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate national efforts to combat the disease.
“The cholera outbreak is characterised by a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent, significantly higher than the national expected average of one per cent, underscoring severity of the situation,” he said.
He said that Lagos accounted for the highest number of deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two, and Kano, Nasarawa, and Cross River with one each. (NAN)
