…prioritises hotspots in 134 LGAs for multisectoral intervention

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has appealed to state governments to stop suppressing information on the true situation of diseases and infections outbreaks especially cholera, in their states, for fear of stigmatisation.

Director General of the NCDC, Jide Idris
who briefed newsmen on Friday in Abuja, warned that the implications of suppressing information includes an increase in the spread of the disease and preventable deaths, due to the Centre’s inability to tackle the situation as it should, based on information provided by states.

While revealing that 34 cholera associated deaths have been recorded as of epidemiological week 16 ending 20 April 2025, he added that 1,307 suspected cases of cholera have been reported across 30 states and 98 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

He said:” We appeal to states to avoid suppressing information. Please send in your line lists of cases in a timely manner.

“A lot of states are covering up data for fear of being stigmatised but what they don’t know is they are doing a disservice to their people. The NCDC can only offer timely, appropriate and adequate intervention when we have the correct information and data. Covering it up will only lead to an increase in the spread of disease.”

Idris also urged state governments to “prioritize action for solutions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices in communities.

“Specifically, we advise the activation of your Emergency Preparedness Plans to address enhanced surveillance efforts, potential flooding and displacement events, mosquito control efforts elimination of breeding sites, establishment of Cholera treatment centers, ORT centers. The constitution of your Rapid Response.”

The NCDC boss who warned that cholera remains endemic in Nigeria, particularly in communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation, appealed to the 30 state governments and the FCT to take the warning of imminent flood risks issued at the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook serious, to help prevent waterborne disease outbreaks like cholera.

“According to the forecast, over 1,200 communities in 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been identified as high-risk flood zones, and an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs are classified as being at moderate risk of flooding.

“This proactive dissemination of localized flood risk data is expected to drive coordinated action at the federal, state, and community levels, ensuring timely interventions that can help prevent waterborne disease outbreaks like cholera. NCDC is actively tracking these occurrences.”

Idris noted that a concerning trend in cholera transmission was emerging as the country approaches the peak of the rainy season, listing the Agency’s preparedness measures to include; prioritisation of 134 Local Government Areas classified as hotspots for multisectoral intervention including potential RRT deployment, assessment of 36 states and FCT for readiness to cholera outbreaks, dissemination of treatment protocols to all states.

Others are; conduct of workshops in South-West and North-west to enhance preparedness and response capacity with other zones underway, prepositioned response commodities such as cholera test kits with appropriate training, update of risk communication materials, weekly surveillance updates dissemination to relevant authorities and stakeholders, and technical support to surveillance officers to support data harmonisation efforts.

“While new cholera cases remain relatively low, their spread across 30 states amid the rainy season underscores the need for sustained vigilance. We call for intensified multisectoral collaboration especially in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) to prevent further transmission and reduce mortality,” he said.