Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
The Federal Government may receive emergency vaccine doses from the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, to combat the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, expressed concern about the situation in a post on her X handle, @SaniaNishtar, on Thursday.
She stressed that Gavi’s readiness to assist Nigeria in its response efforts.
She tweeted, “Deeply concerned about the ongoing #cholera outbreak in Nigeria. @Gavi and partners are closely monitoring the cholera outbreak and stand ready to support the government to quickly respond, including to request emergency vaccine doses where needed. The global cholera stockpile, funded by Gavi, is currently fully replenished and ready to help contain outbreaks and protect those at highest risk.”
ALSO READ
There are three World Health Organization pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines available: Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol®. These vaccines require two doses for full protection.
On Monday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activated the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in response to the severity of the outbreak.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, stated that the EOC would serve as the coordination hub for the nationwide response. It will support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes.
“The EOC will ensure efficient deployment of needed resources, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacities, enhance case management, training, and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities,” Idris noted.
He added that experts conducting a recent risk assessment classified Nigeria as being at high risk for increased cholera transmission and impact.
Discover more from News Round The Clock
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
