Nigeria to launch National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control National Cholera Control (NSPACC)

The launch of the NSPACC is scheduled for February 4, 2024. It is being hosted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Federal Ministry of Environment in Partnership with the Global Task Force on Cholera Control this meeting in Abuja will launch the NSPACC and allow our partners to contribute to advocacy and communications efforts as we strengthen implementation.

Clearly, control of cholera is not just the responsibility of the Ministry of Health but includes all the resources to reduce cholera’s spread.  This is reflected in all the national and international partners participating in the launch, and it is hoped that the plan will provide opportunities for all parties to work together to eliminate cholera from Nigeria.

The vision of the NSPACC is a nation free of cholera disease and cholera deaths and its goal is to reduce the cholera incidence by 90% and reduce the number of cholera deaths by 90%.  The plan will be led and coordinated by the office of the Vice President and will include strengthening of cholera surveillance, laboratories, case management, and the use of oral cholera vaccine.  It also includes increasing access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation, and improved hygiene with priorities to areas identified as hotspots. Community engagement is critical to the plans success, but it will also require improved logistics as well as research and monitoring to achieve its targets.  

Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease that is caused by bacteria that can be ingested through unsafe water or food.  The disease is most common where there is poor water and sanitation. Unfortunately, Nigeria is one of the African countries most affected by cholera. The number of cholera cases each year varies, but during some years, tens of thousands of people have been affected and many have died of this disease.  Fortunately, cholera can be eliminated with a coordinated effort to improve water and sanitation, but since this takes time, the oral cholera vaccine can also be used to reduce the risk.  However, it is critical to understand that patients with cholera can be treated if they get to a health facility quickly to receive the proper rehydration and antibiotics. 

We trust that the launch of the plan will lead to renewed efforts to finally eliminate cholera from Nigeria.