THE Federal Government has partnered with the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, to prepare for potential cholera outbreaks by ensuring emergency vaccine supplies are available in case of shortages.
The CEO of Gavi, Dr. Sania Nishtar, expressed concerns over the ongoing cholera situation in Nigeria and pledged support to the country.
In a tweet from her X handle @SaniaNishtar, she stated that Gavi and its partners are closely monitoring the cholera outbreak and are poised to assist the government promptly, including providing emergency vaccine doses if required.
She highlighted that the global cholera stockpile, funded by Gavi, is fully stocked and ready to aid in containing outbreaks and safeguarding those most at risk.
In response to the escalating situation, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated the Emergency Operation Centre to manage the crisis effectively.
The Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, emphasized that the EOC will serve as the central hub for coordinating the response nationwide, supporting affected states, and facilitating rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, stressed the importance of a multi-sectorial approach to prevent infectious disease outbreaks like cholera, typhoid fever, and tuberculosis.
He emphasized the need for comprehensive public policies that address the social determinants of health, such as inadequate housing, poor sanitation, malnutrition, and occupational hazards, to provide social safety nets for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Pate underscored that improving population health requires a holistic approach that goes beyond just biomedical interventions, encompassing various sectors like housing, transportation, agriculture, environment, and gender equality to ensure the overall well-being of the population.
