In a decisive move to combat the rising threat of cholera across Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has activated its Cholera Emergency Operations Centre to enhance surveillance and response capabilities.
Speaking at the activation event, the Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr. Baba Gana Adam underscored the urgency of the situation.
This action, led by the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, is aimed at ensuring the region is well-prepared to prevent and contain any outbreak within its borders.
“With the increasing number of cholera cases across the country, we cannot afford to take chances. The FCT must be ready to respond swiftly, and we are fully committed to providing all necessary resources,” Dr. Adam stated.
To this end, the FCT Public Health Department (PHD) convened a Cholera Update meeting that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the current cholera situation.
The meeting focused on identifying high-risk areas, defining the roles of each stakeholder, and coordinating a comprehensive response to prevent the spread of cholera in the FCT.
During the meeting, the Acting Director of the PHD, Dr. Dan Gadzama shared recent data on suspected cholera cases in the FCT.
“We have recorded 32 suspected cases, with 3 confirmed by laboratory tests and 8 confirmed through rapid diagnostic tests,” Dr. Gadzama said.
He explained that these numbers had triggered the activation of the Cholera Emergency Operations Centre to prevent further escalation.
Dr. Gadzama also outlined the FCT’s preparedness efforts, which include placing high-risk areas on red alert, launching public awareness campaigns, training healthcare workers, and mobilizing a Cholera Incident Management Team.
“Our goal is to stop cholera before it spreads widely,” he added.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is primarily spread through contaminated food and water. “Sanitation is critical in this fight,” Dr. Gadzama noted, emphasizing the need for improved environmental hygiene.
He also praised the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) for its efforts in maintaining cleanliness and supporting the response.
The FCT State Epidemiologist, Dr. Lawal Lukman Ademola, addressed the factors driving cholera outbreaks, such as inadequate water supply and poor sanitation.
“Cholera thrives in environments where access to clean water and proper sanitation is limited. Tackling these issues is the first step in preventing outbreaks,” Dr. Ademola emphasized.
With the confirmation of two cholera cases in the FCT, Dr. Ademola assured that the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (FCT-PHEOC) is fully operational.
“Our community engagement efforts are ongoing, and we are working to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of not just cholera, but also other diseases like Mpox,” he added.
The FCT’s cholera response is being supported by a range of key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the FCT Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), and the FCT Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA).
These stakeholders are collaborating to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to protect the FCT from a major cholera outbreak.
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