The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has highlighted that the recent cholera outbreak exposes significant weaknesses in the country's public health infrastructure.
According to NCDC Director-General Jide Idris, the flood-intensified cholera outbreak in Nigeria “has not only highlighted our vulnerabilities, but has also exposed gaps in resources, data systems and human capabilities.”
Idris identified the major challenges with disease surveillance and response in Nigeria while delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of the NCDC Fifth Annual Disease Surveillance Review Meeting (ADSRM) in Lagos on Monday.
Despite highlighting significant progress and achievements, Mr Idris noted that delays in data submission, inconsistencies in data quality and long laboratory response times also hamper the ability to act quickly and decisively. before the outbreaks.
“These challenges, while important, do not weaken our resolve; rather, they serve as a call to action, a reminder of the work that remains urgent and essential,” he said.
The event, whose theme is: “Strengthening global health security through improved disease surveillance”, is scheduled to take place from October 28 to 30 in Lagos.
Cholera in Nigeria
Cholera, a waterborne disease, has been a recurring challenge in Nigeria, with intermittent outbreaks in several states. The latest outbreak, intensified by devastating floods, has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the health system.
Article page with financial support promotion
As of October 17, the NCDC reported 14,237 suspected cases and 378 deaths across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, reiterated at the event that the cholera outbreak is an indication of “underlying problems with access to safe drinking water, toilets and adequate drainage and that there is contamination of water or sources of water.” food”. “
Abayomi added that the outbreak requires a health approach and collaborative efforts from the Ministry of Health, Environment, Agriculture, Sanitation and Water Resources.
Achievements despite challenges
While highlighting the achievements of the NCDC, Mr Idris noted that the centre's mandate to protect Nigerians by preventing, detecting and responding to health threats has required courage, resilience and innovation.
He said: “Over the years, we have faced and overcome some of the most formidable public health crises: from our rapid responses to Ebola and COVID-19 to our persistent battle against measles, cholera, Lassa fever , Mpox, meningitis and new diseases. Emerging, often mysterious, health threats such as the suspected heavy metal poisoning we are now addressing.
“Each of these challenges has tested our strength, but has also allowed us to grow, deepen our experience and strengthen our determination. Our nation's path has been one of tests faced with determination, obstacles overcome through innovation, and threats neutralized by our collective will.
“Together, we have faced challenges that have tested our mettle and resilience. Every crisis, every outbreak, every mysterious health threat has demanded the best of us. And every time, we have lived up to that calling.”
He acknowledged the role of local and international partners and their contributions to the achievements of the NCDC.
ADSRM Target
Giving an overview and objective of the meeting, NCDC Director of Surveillance and Epidemiology Fatima Saleh noted that ADSRM is an annual event where NCDC hosts a network of state epidemiologists and other frontline workers.
Ms. Saleh said that the ADSRM was carried out in the year 2016 and subsequently in 2017, 2018 and 2022. It is a unique health strategy that involves critical stakeholders from government ministries, departments and agencies.
According to Ms. Saleh, the meeting aims to review and update stakeholders on surveillance activities in Nigeria in the previous years to improve identified gaps and challenges.
He added that the expected result is that participants have “a better understanding of the challenges that each state faces in terms of surveillance activities and operations, as well as the proposal of solutions.”