In response to the alarming cholera outbreak in Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has taken decisive action through its Public Health Department by activating the Cholera Emergency Operations Centre. On a recent occasion, Dr. Baba Gana Adam, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, outlined the necessity behind this activation, citing a significant increase in reported cholera cases nationwide. As an emerging city, the FCT faces a heightened risk due to urbanization and associated public health challenges. Consequently, measures to prevent and contain potential outbreaks are essential to safeguard the health of residents and the wider community.
During the activation process, Dr. Adam committed the Secretariat’s full resources to combat cholera and urged the involvement of various stakeholders in the design of effective and sustainable preventative strategies. This led to a collaborative Cholera Update meeting organized by the FCT Public Health Department, where experts gathered to address the current cholera situation, identify high-risk areas, and clarify the responsibilities of each stakeholder in this public health challenge. The urgency of the situation was underscored by reports of 32 suspected cholera cases in the FCT, with confirmed laboratory results highlighting the need for immediate intervention to prevent the disease’s escalation.
The meeting’s discussions showcased the FCT’s preparedness measures, detailed by the Acting Director of the Public Health Department, Dan Gadzama. Even prior to the detection of cholera cases, the department had implemented proactive steps, including the identification of high-risk regions, public health campaigns, training for healthcare professionals, and the formation of a Cholera Incident Management team. Gadzama defined cholera as an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, stressing the importance of addressing contamination sources, including food, water, and sanitation systems. He also emphasized the environmental factors contributing to the disease, advocating for collaborative efforts with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board.
Highlighting the relationship between cholera and sanitation, Dr. Lawal Ademola, the FCT State Epidemiologist, pointed out that cholera outbreaks are typically linked to poor drinking water quality and inadequate hygiene practices. Understanding these connections, he stressed the collective responsibility of government, communities, and individuals to implement preventive measures effectively. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Dr. Ademola mentioned that following the confirmation of cases, the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Centre was activated not only to respond strategically to cholera but also to enhance awareness about other public health threats, including Mpox.
Multiple stakeholders are instrumental in addressing the cholera crisis within the FCT, with significant contributions from organizations such as the World Health Organisation, the FCT Primary Health Care Board, and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board. Collectively, these entities are collaborating to bolster the region’s response to the outbreak. The urgency is further amplified by the national cholera statistics reported as of October 13, 2024, revealing over 14,000 cholera cases across 35 states and the FCT, leading to tragic fatalities that underscore the dire public health implications.
The FCT’s concerted efforts are crucial for managing this cholera threat, notably through establishing preventive frameworks and harnessing the expertise of relevant stakeholders. Moving forward, ongoing public education and active engagement within the community remain paramount in effectively combating cholera. By strengthening current strategies and fostering a collaborative approach to public health, the FCT aims to control this outbreak and minimize the long-term impact of cholera in the region. Immediate and sustained actions, guided by data-driven strategies and community involvement, will be key in safeguarding the health of FCT residents while addressing the broader challenges of urban public health.
