Abuja: The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has announced that Nigeria has recorded more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and approximately 195 Local Government Areas. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Idris noted a significant decline in cholera cases from the peak recorded earlier in the season but cautioned that transmission remains ongoing as the country approaches a period when cases could potentially increase.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Idris highlighted that the rainy season and flooding could contaminate water sources and burden sanitation systems, fostering conditions for renewed cholera transmission. He reported a lower death rate from cholera cases this year compared to the same period last year, attributing this improvement to early access to treatment. Efforts to bring treatment closer to affected communities have been instrumental in saving lives, particularly in Borno, which has recorded th
e majority of this year’s cases.
Dr. Idris emphasized that addressing cholera requires tackling unsafe water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene infrastructure. He pointed out that open defecation, damaged water systems, and poor sanitation in public institutions continue to expose communities to cholera risks. Sustained investments in water, sanitation, hygiene, environmental health, and community awareness are necessary to prevent repeated outbreaks.
Authorities are actively providing treatment and promoting oral cholera vaccination, water chlorination, and rehabilitation of water sources in affected communities. In Borno, response teams have investigated transmission sources and assessed water supply points for gaps in water quality, sanitation, and chlorination. Bauchi has also intensified efforts by establishing oral rehydration points and strengthening treatment capacity.
Regarding diphtheria, Dr. Idris reported over 10,000 confirmed cases across several states, with Kano, Borno, and Bauchi expe
riencing the highest burden. Despite the substantial number of cases, the death rate has declined compared to last year. Inadequate vaccination coverage, especially among unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children, remains a major concern. Vaccine hesitancy, insecurity, displacement, and hard-to-reach communities complicate efforts to vaccinate eligible children.
Diphtheria is vaccine-preventable, and intensified vaccination is necessary to protect children and interrupt transmission. The NCDC will continue to coordinate responses with state governments and partners, strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, and case management. National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to support investigations, surveillance, and outbreak response activities. Reactive vaccination and essential treatment are ongoing in affected areas.
Dr. Idris urged states and local governments to enhance safe water, sanitation, routine immunisation, and targeted vaccination while directing resources to high-risk commu
nities. Healthcare workers are advised to recognize cases early, report promptly, begin appropriate treatment, and consistently follow infection prevention and control measures. Nigerians are encouraged to use safe water, practice proper sanitation and handwashing, seek early treatment for watery diarrhoea, and ensure children receive all recommended diphtheria vaccines.