Urgent Vaccine Delivery Announced
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced a campaign of cholera vaccination in Nigeria soon. This initiative aims to tackle the severe cholera outbreak that has spread across the country, affecting thousands.
Background of the Outbreak
As of mid-July, NCDC reports over 3,600 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths across Nigeria. The disease has spread to 187 local government areas, predominantly affecting children under five. The rainy season exacerbates the outbreak by compromising water sources and sanitation conditions.
Gavi’s Response and Commitment
On June 27, Dr. Nishtar expressed Gavi’s readiness to support Nigeria by providing emergency vaccine doses, acknowledging the critical situation. Gavi maintains a global vaccine stockpile to control cholera outbreaks and is committed to sustaining supply amid high demand.
Vaccine Deployment and Government Action
In response to Gavi’s support, Nigeria’s Health Minister, Prof Muhammad Pate, expressed gratitude for the swift vaccine facilitation. He highlighted government efforts with local and international partners for efficient vaccine deployment and tackling water and sanitation challenges. These efforts aim to mitigate the broader factors contributing to the cholera outbreak.
Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Public Health
Prof Pate also praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing a multi-sector cabinet committee to coordinate the national response. This collaborative effort among Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and the Nigerian government aims to curb cholera spread and protect vulnerable populations.
Looking Forward
Vaccines will soon arrive and sanitation improvements are underway, offering hope for significant progress in controlling Nigeria’s cholera outbreak. The government and its partners are committed to a sustained response to ensure the health and safety of all affected Nigerians. This commitment addresses the ongoing public health challenge, aiming to protect vulnerable communities.
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