FCT activates cholera emergency operations centre amid rising cases

The FCT has activated its Cholera Emergency Operations Centre to tackle the cholera outbreak and safeguard public health.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has taken decisive action to combat the cholera outbreak by activating its Cholera Emergency Operations Centre, as announced by the Public Health Department on Thursday.

This initiative forms part of broader surveillance and preparedness measures aimed at managing the increasing number of reported cases of cholera in the region.

Also read: Cholera: Benue records 16 suspected cases, four deaths

During the activation over the weekend, Dr Baba Gana Adam, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, highlighted the urgency of this step given the rising cholera cases across the country.

He pointed out that the FCT, as an emerging city, is particularly vulnerable to cholera outbreaks. Consequently, the administration is implementing proactive measures to prevent and control the spread of the disease.

Dr Adam assured the public that the Secretariat would allocate all necessary resources to avert a cholera outbreak in the FCT. He called for the involvement of all relevant stakeholders to develop effective strategies for disease prevention.

In response to this directive, the FCT Public Health Department convened a Cholera Update meeting, which brought together key stakeholders to evaluate the current cholera situation.

The meeting focused on identifying high-risk areas and delineating the responsibilities of each participant in managing the outbreak effectively.

Acting Director of the FCT Public Health Department, Dan Gadzama, reported that the FCT has recently recorded approximately 32 suspected cases of cholera, with three laboratory-confirmed instances and eight additional confirmations through Rapid Diagnostic Tests.

This alarming statistic prompted the activation of the emergency centre to mitigate the risk of further escalation.

Gadzama elaborated on the proactive measures already in place, noting that the identification of high-risk areas has placed them on red alert.

Additionally, public education campaigns, healthcare worker training, and the establishment of a Cholera Incident Management Team are ongoing initiatives aimed at bolstering the region’s preparedness.

Cholera, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated food, water, and faeces. Gadzama emphasised the need to address environmental factors as part of the cholera control strategy, mentioning the active participation of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board in these efforts.

During the meeting, Dr Lawal Ademola, the FCT State Epidemiologist, underscored the correlation between cholera and inadequate access to clean drinking water, poor sanitation, and hygiene practices.

He stated, “Addressing these issues will significantly reduce the risk of cholera outbreaks.” Dr Ademola stressed the shared responsibility among government entities, individuals, and communities in implementing preventive measures.

With two confirmed cases now reported in the FCT, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has shifted into response mode, continuing its public awareness campaigns regarding the prevention, early detection, and reporting of cholera, as well as other diseases such as Mpox.

Key stakeholders actively involved in managing the cholera situation include the World Health Organisation, the FCT Primary Health Care Board, the FCT Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the Water Sanitation and Hygiene sector.

As of October 13, 2024, Nigeria has reported a total of 14,237 cholera cases across 35 states and the FCT, encompassing 339 local government areas.

Tragically, 378 lives have been lost, resulting in a case-fatality ratio of approximately 2.7 per cent. The FCT’s decisive actions and collaborative efforts are crucial in combating this public health crisis and ensuring the safety of its residents.