The NCDC launched on Monday a National Cholera Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as the number of deaths reached 53 and 1528 suspected cases were registered.
"This [the center opening] was done following a dynamic risk assessment of the cholera epidemiological situation, which placed the country at a very high risk of increased cholera transmission," the NCDC said.
The EOC will oversee the nationwide efforts, particularly in the affected states, to contain the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact, as well as address any socioeconomic issues arising from the disease.
President Bola Tinubu has also ordered the creation of a cabinet committee that will supervise the day-to-day operations of the new center, according to Health Minister Ali Pate.
Furthermore, the minister called for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of infectious disease in the country, adding that all stakeholders — citizens as well as federal, state, and local governments — have a preventive role to play in ensuring waste management and sanitation so that “see less and less of this issue in years to come.”
The government is also mobilizing all available resources to stop the outbreak.
“We had anticipated the seasonal outbreak, and months ago, the President approved contingency financing for the NCDC, and that is what has been used so far, in addition to technical financing. The state also has a role to play to release their own funding,” he said.
Cholera is a highly contagious infection that spreads through contaminated food and water. The infection can cause acute watery diarrhea and, in severe cases, can be fatal within hours if left untreated.