NCDC REPORTS DECLINE IN CHOLERA, DIPHTHERIA CASES, INTENSIFIES SURVEILLANCE

NCDC REPORTS DECLINE IN CHOLERA, DIPHTHERIA CASES, INTENSIFIES SURVEILLANCE

ABUJA – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Nigeria is witnessing a decline in cholera and diphtheria cases and fatalities, although the outbreaks remain a significant public health concern.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed this in Abuja while providing an update on the national response to the two disease outbreaks.

According to Dr. Jide Idris, Nigeria has recorded more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and about 195 Local Government Areas, while over 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases have been reported this year.

Despite the declining trend, he warned that vaccine hesitancy, poor sanitation and unsafe hygiene practices continue to drive transmission and pose challenges to containment efforts.

To strengthen the response, the NCDC has intensified disease surveillance and deployed National Rapid Response Teams to affected states, particularly Borno State, which has recorded the highest number of cholera cases.

The NCDC Director-General emphasized the importance of community participation, improved hygiene practices and acceptance of vaccination programmes in curbing the spread of the diseases.

He assured Nigerians that the agency would continue to work closely with state governments, development partners and other stakeholders to contain the outbreaks and protect public health.