The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has expressed deep gratitude to the people of Japan for their ongoing partnership, marked by the donation of cholera kits aimed at enhancing cholera preparedness and response nationwide. The cholera kits, officially handed over to the government, were procured and delivered by the World Health Organization (WHO) with funding from a US$500,000 grant from the people of Japan. The supplies are being deployed to high-risk areas and states with ongoing outbreaks to support timely detection and effective management of cholera cases.
Since receiving the grant on 1 March 2025, the support has contributed to significant improvements in Nigeria’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cholera outbreaks. The intervention focuses on three main areas:
Provision of Cholera Kits: US$104,951 worth of critical cholera response supplies were procured to reinforce case management capacity in anticipation of transmission peaks. Strategic prepositioning of contingency stocks has ensured continuity of clinical services, preventing treatment interruptions and saving lives. The final batch has now been officially handed over to the Federal Government.
Training for Frontline Responders: A National Training of Trainers (ToT) on cholera preparedness and response was conducted, equipping 176 trainers across all six geopolitical zones to enhance national expertise in key response pillars, including coordination, surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, infection prevention and control (IPC), case management, and risk communication. This knowledge is being cascaded to frontline responders in 134 Priority Areas for Multisectoral Interventions (PAMIs) Local Government Areas across the country, in partnership with state ministries of health and NGOs.
The support has strengthened surveillance systems and improved coordination between national and sub-national health authorities, enabling faster outbreak detection and more efficient response actions. Community-based surveillance training has been conducted in LGAs across seven high-risk cholera states to ensure early case detection and reporting for rapid response. As of 2 November 2025, Nigeria has recorded over 22,196 suspected cholera cases and 505 associated deaths, a significant number year-on-year, keeping the country off track from the global objective of eliminating cholera by 2030. The North-West and North-East regions remain the most affected, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance and preparedness.
Dr. Olajide Idris, Director General of NCDC, said: “This support from the Government of Japan through WHO came at a critical time. It has enabled us to strengthen surveillance, improve laboratory diagnosis, and support states in responding more effectively to outbreaks.” Mr. Suzuki Hideo, Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, stated: “Japan is proud to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat cholera and other infectious diseases. Through our partnership with WHO, we are contributing to stronger health systems and progress toward Universal Health Coverage.”
Dr. Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria, noted: “This partnership is saving lives. The cholera kits and training have enhanced Nigeria’s readiness to respond to outbreaks. WHO remains committed to supporting the country in reducing cholera-related deaths to below one per cent.” The donated commodities include one complete central cholera kit, divided into 29 modules containing medicines, renewable supplies, equipment, and logistics devices designed to treat patients at different healthcare levels during outbreaks in areas with compromised access. This kit is one of 14 cholera kits, alongside life-saving medical commodities such as Oral Rehydration Solutions, procured through the Japan Government Grant. Each central and peripheral kit is designed to support treatment for 100 cholera cases during the first weeks of a response, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to act quickly and effectively.
These resources will assist health workers in managing cases, reducing mortality, and preventing further spread. Reaffirming the joint commitment of the Government of Nigeria, the Government of Japan, and WHO to protect vulnerable populations, WHO encourages states, health workers, and communities to strengthen preventive measures, including hand hygiene, safe water use, and proper sanitation, to limit the spread of cholera. Ongoing collaboration across sectors remains vital to safeguarding vulnerable communities and enhancing national health security.
Source : https://championnews.com.ng/
