NCDC raises the alarm over politicisation of cholera outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarms regarding the politicization of the cholera outbreak in several parts of the country. The agency identified this political interference as a significant challenge hindering efforts to contain the disease, according to a situation report.

In response, the NCDC has deployed emergency response teams to affected states. These teams are implementing a range of measures, including active surveillance, laboratory testing, case management, and risk communication. The report details ongoing interventions aimed at curbing the outbreak nationwide.

Beyond politicization, the NCDC highlighted other critical challenges such as delayed diagnosis, shortages of essential medical supplies, and weaknesses in the existing surveillance systems. Public health experts have consistently warned that political interference and the spread of misinformation can severely damage disease surveillance, erode public trust, and delay crucial, coordinated responses.

The agency is actively conducting case searches in affected states and providing technical support to local response teams. Data validation and harmonization are being carried out through the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) to enhance outbreak tracking. Laboratory testing is supported by national reference laboratories in Abuja and Lagos, with healthcare workers receiving training on sample management and diagnostic procedures.

To bolster treatment capabilities, healthcare workers have undergone specialized training in cholera case management and infection prevention. The NCDC has also focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, including the construction and rehabilitation of boreholes and the chlorination of water points in several states. Hygiene promotion campaigns have reached thousands of people in affected communities, underscoring the multi-pronged approach to combat the outbreak.

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Active case search ongoing in all affected states; remote and on-site support to state teams; SORMAS data validation and harmonisation; active case search team deployed to Kano.