In a robust effort to combat epidemic-prone diseases in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it is confronting a series of challenges head-on, according to its director-general, Dr. Jide Idris.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Idris highlighted key obstacles, including insufficient funding, inadequate healthcare infrastructure at the state levels, and compromised security in outbreak areas.
Idris emphasised that these challenges impede both treatment and diagnostic confirmation, leading to delayed reporting of cases and limited public awareness. To address these hurdles, he urged increased investment in public health initiatives and the need for collaborative partnerships with security agencies.
Idris outlined the NCDC’s multifaceted approach to overcome these challenges, focusing on bolstering partnerships, improving health literacy and implementing innovative strategies for disease prevention and control.
The director-general stressed the agency’s commitment to preparedness by developing risk profiles and a national hazard calendar to anticipate potential hazards. The NCDC is also working on state-specific hazard profiles, having completed profiles for Rivers and Kwara states, with plans for further expansion. Idris highlighted ongoing efforts, including training sessions for healthcare workers, strategic positioning of medical supplies and enhanced laboratory capabilities for swift outbreak diagnosis and response.
Despite these measures, Idris underscored the importance of intensifying health promotion and risk communication initiatives to empower individuals to take control of their health. He provided updates on recent outbreaks, addressing incidents of meningitis, measles, Lassa fever, cholera and diphtheria across different states.
As of March 3, 2024, the Lassa fever outbreak has impacted 100 local government areas across 24 states, resulting in 3,213 suspected cases, 583 confirmed cases, and 108 fatalities. Idris noted the age group most affected (21-40 years old) and the prominent states contributing to the confirmed cases.
Regarding the meningitis outbreak, as of March 3, 2024, 82 local government areas across 22 states reported 1,402 suspected cases, 101 confirmed cases, and 123 fatalities since October 2023. The age group most affected is 5-14 years, with specific states accounting for the majority of cases.
Idris provided details on the diphtheria outbreak, with 97 local government areas across 12 states reporting 3,587 suspected cases, 1,915 confirmed cases, and 33 fatalities since January 2024. The most affected age group is 1-14, with specific states contributing significantly to reported cases.
For the measles outbreak, states reported 2,157 suspected cases, 1,442 confirmed cases and 14 fatalities as of the first week of February 2024. Idris addressed the ongoing cholera outbreak, noting 318 suspected cases, 28 confirmed cases, and 4 deaths across 36 local government areas in 15 states since January 2024.
Idris expressed condolences to families affected by these outbreaks and commended the efforts of State Governments and stakeholders working tirelessly to contain them. He also addressed reports of a mysterious illness in Gombe State, confirming meningitis outbreaks with preventive measures in place.
Additionally, he provided an update on the situation in Yobe State, with 635 suspected cases, 36 confirmed cases, and 23 fatalities across six local government areas. He praised the effective response of the Yobe State Ministry of Health.
Idris emphasised the leadership role of states in detecting, investigating, and responding to small outbreaks, with the NCDC offering guidance and support. For large outbreaks involving multiple states, the NCDC assumes leadership and coordination roles, collaborating with government agencies, international partners and NGOs.
Idris reiterated the NCDC’s commitment to overcoming challenges, safeguarding public health, and ensuring a prompt and effective response to epidemic-prone diseases in Nigeria.
