The Federal Government of Nigeria has received a major boost in its quest to source emergency vaccines to combat the escalating cholera outbreak.
Eko Hot Blog reports that this comes as Gavi, an international vaccine manufacturer, has pledged to support Nigeria’s efforts through vaccine donations.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, expressed her concern over the outbreak in a tweet from her X handle @SaniaNishtar on Thursday.
She stated that Gavi and its partners are prepared to assist Nigeria in its response efforts.
Dr. Nishtar tweeted, “Deeply concerned about the ongoing #cholera outbreak in Nigeria. @Gavi and partners are closely monitoring the cholera outbreak, and stand ready to support the government to quickly respond, including to request emergency vaccine doses where needed.
The global cholera stockpile, which is funded by Gavi, is currently fully replenished and ready to help contain outbreaks and protect those at highest risk.”
Gavi funds a global cholera vaccine stockpile, which includes three WHO pre-qualified oral vaccines: Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol®. These vaccines require two doses for full protection.
NCDC Emergency Operation Centre
Recall that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activated the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on Monday.
This decision highlights the seriousness of the outbreak.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said the EOC would serve as the nerve centre for the coordination of response across the country.
It would also support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes.
“It will ensure efficient deployment of needed resources, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity and capabilities, enhance case management, training and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities,” Idris started.
He noted that experts who conducted the risk assessment last week placed Nigeria at high risk of increased cholera transmission and impact.
Meanwhile, the Incident Management of the EOC, Dr Muntari Hassan, stated that the outbreak had killed 54 persons as of Wednesday.
Hassan said 1,579 suspected cases were recorded in 32 states across 115 local government areas.
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