The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has expressed concerns over Nigeria remaining one of the cholera endemic countries in the African continent.
It said while many countries have since eliminated cholera, an infectious disease transmitted through poor environmental and personal hygiene, Nigeria remains one of the countries where it is endemic.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, said this at the review of the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC), on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said with the advancement in health and technology, Nigeria still has a long way to go as we experience cholera outbreaks annually.
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Dr. Adetifa said the ongoing cholera outbreaks show that resources, whether actual or perceived, are insufficient in keeping this disease at bay adding that while funding is crucial, it especially requires our political leaders’ commitment.
He said it takes states knowing their outbreak and ensuring a state-specific response to address issues like safe water infrastructure.
The World Health Organisation, Cholera and Incident Manager, Prof. Adebola Olayinka said the long-term solution for cholera control lies in economic development and universal access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.
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He said the actions targeting environmental conditions included the implementation of adapted long-term sustainable WASH solutions to ensure the use of safe water, basic sanitation and good hygiene practices in cholera hotspots.
