The Federal Government has collaborated with the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, to ensure emergency vaccine donations in case of a shortage, as cholera outbreaks are expected to surge across the country.
This move comes as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activates its Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate response efforts and contain the spread of the disease.
Gavi’s CEO, Dr. Sania Nishtar, expressed concern about the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria and assured support for the government’s response, including requesting emergency vaccine doses if needed.
The NCDC’s Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, explained that the Emergency Operation Centre will serve as the nerve centre for coordinating response efforts across the country, supporting affected states, and facilitating rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the social determinants of health and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases like cholera.
