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Cholera: resurgence of fatal yet preventable disease

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• Taufiqur Rahman Bhuiyan , senior scientist 1 ,
• Firdausi Qadri , senior scientist 1 ,
• Fahima Chowdhury , senior scientist 1
• 1 International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Correspondence to: F Chowdhury fchowdhury{at}icddrb.org

Elimination is feasible with investment in surveillance, clean water, and vaccine supply

Cholera is highly predictable, with flare-ups in endemic areas at specific times of the year in densely populated areas and driven by natural disasters, conflict, forced migration, poverty, urbanisation, population growth, and climate change. If left untreated, shock from severe acute diarrhoea after ingesting contaminated water or food is often fatal. 1

Cholera is also highly preventable, by improving access to clean water and sanitation and good hygiene (WASH) and access to oral vaccines. Yet since 2021, globally reported cases have been rising after years of decline. 2 The latest data show a doubling in case fatality rate over a decade to about 1.9%. 3 Accurate global case and death data are lacking, but in 2021, 35 countries reported 223 370 cases and 4159 deaths to WHO, 4 compared with 323 320 cases and 857 deaths in 27 countries in 2020. 5 Active epidemics and outbreaks have become more frequent. Since the beginning of 2023, outbreaks have extended further in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Haiti, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Syria, and Lebanon. …

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Analysis of Factors Contributing to the Spread of Cholera in Developing Countries

Cholera has been endemic in Nigeria since the 1970s and has resulted in several early deaths, which probably could have been avoided. This study examined the various factors that contribute to the infection and spread of cholera in Benue State, Nigeria, from 2008 to 2017. We also proposed a cloud based health management system (CBHMS) for the timely identification and management of cholera in an epidemic.

Materials and Methods

A cluster random sampling in the form of a close ended questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 420 participants comprising farmers, traders, housewives, and students who were randomly selected from different locations in Makurdi. Statistical analyses, such as demographics, reliability, and descriptive analysis, of the collected data were performed, and a socio-technical design approached was used in the system development.

Terrorism, floods, improper sewage disposal, and lack of environmental hygiene were the main causes of the spread of cholera in Benue State.

The research highlights the factors aiding the spread of cholera in Nigeria by directing donor agencies and government to channel their focus and prepare ahead in view of an emergency. The proposed CBHMS will aid the early detection and management of cholera in an epidemic.

Introduction

The prevalence of communicable diseases has been ravaging in the African countries since many years; moreover, it has been recorded as one of the major causes of death. Since 2010, there has been a reduction (1% per annum) in the number of deaths associated with communicable diseases [ 1 ]. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) believes that the statistics are likely to change, and the number will increase sporadically before 2050. Some of the communicable diseases include small pox, dengue fever, rabies, Hantavirus infection, hepatitis A and B, measles, human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cholera, Zika, and the most recent Ebola virus. While the first-world countries have eradicated some of these diseases, the second- and third-world countries are still battling them. In this study, we focused on cholera to provide further clarity.

Vibrio cholerae of the Vibrionaceae family is the causative agent for cholera. Cholera is characterized by an intense stomach infection caused by the consumption of foods and water contaminated by the bacteria. Various stereotypes of cholera are known; however, only cholera genetic V.01 and 0139 are known to be responsible for the disease. The manifestation is in the form of diarrhea and a subsequent very rapid dehydration process followed by death if untreated owing to the limited incubation time [ 2 ]. The bacterium can survive in any environment, and the disease can affect both genders and individuals of all age groups. An individual could be asymptomatically infected with V. cholerae ; however, between 7 and 14 days of the infection, traces of the bacteria could be found in the feces of the infected individual [ 3 ]. Human attitude and behavior, such as living in a well-sanitized environment, appropriately cooking food before consumption, using sterilized water, and following general personal hygiene, contribute to a great extent to the survival and spread of cholera [ 4 ].

Cholera cases have been quite noticeable across countries in West Africa. Ghana, for example, has witnessed about 4,190 cases of cholera resulting in 36 deaths with causes linked to unhygienic environment and inappropriate fecal disposal [ 5 ]. In Senegal, between 2002 and 2005, about 31,719 cases and 458 deaths related to cholera have been reported, which was largely attributed to the adverse effects of a devastating flood. This record has been the highest to date in the country. An article published by the Guardian [ 6 ] revealed the poor rate of fecal waste disposal in Liberia. It is estimated that six out of seven households in Liberia do not have access to a toilet, and the only source of water available to the people are rivers and streams, which perhaps might be contaminated.

In Nigeria, cholera has been on the rise since the 1970s majorly due to extreme poverty and lack of good potable drinking water. The probable reasons are the result of government negligence in embarking on initiatives that will improve the lives of an ordinary citizen. The majority of the people in Benue State, Nigeria, are rural dwellers who have little or no access to basic modern facilities; hence, the outbreak of diseases is inevitable.

The aim of this study therefore is to primarily investigate the mitigating factors to which cholera is endemic in Nigeria with the need of establishing a relationship between cholera and people’s willingness to treatment by profiling way(s) for curtailing and purposing a way that aids early detection and management via remote access. The study will help determine the trend and pattern of the disease, enabling the government and donor agencies to prepare adequately for the future. Furthermore, the findings from this study could help the government, donor agencies, and health care institutions focus their searchlight on areas/persons that are most vulnerable.

Geographical description of the study area

Benue State is predominantly a rural community comprising 23 local government areas, and the state capital is located in Makurdi. Otukpo and Gboko are the second largest communities and situated in the middle belt region of Nigeria. The state ( Figure 1 ) is surrounded by Nassarawa State in the north, Cross River State in the south, Taraba State in the east, and Enugu/Kogi state in the west. Geographically, the state lies between longitude 8.75° N and latitude 7.33° E with a population of 4,253,641 according to the last census of 2006 [ 7 ] and a land mass covering up to 34,059 km 2 .

Map of Benue State

The state has two major rivers (River Benue and River Kastina-ala) along with streams and ponds, which serve as the primary and only sources of water supply, particularly to the rural/remote villages. It is possible that some of these streams/ponds dry up during the summer season due to climate change, which leads to a severe water scarcity. Hence, the habitants use water from the dirty and unhygienic environment, thereby exposing themselves to contaminated/water-borne diseases [ 8 ]. In addition, during the raining season, the rivers, streams, and ponds rise above the normal water level, which may lead to floods and spread of vector species as well as cholera.

Season and pattern of infection in Nigeria

Cholera is a climate-based disease and findings has shown that the changes in the environment or climate thus indeed influence the spread of cholera [ 9 ]. Based on the epidemiological observation of various cholera epidemics in Nigeria, it has been seen that the seasonal distribution of the outbreak based on age and gender is not constant [ 10 ]. For example, in a recent epidemic at an internally displaced persons camp in Borno State, Nigeria, in September of 2015, a total of 385 cases and 13 deaths were recorded in a population of 11,384, with an attack rate of 3.4% [ 11 ]. In contrast, according to the recent WHO report, as of June 30 2017, there was an epidemic in Kwara State and 1,558 cases and 11 deaths were reported with a 0.7% fatality rate. Out of these reported cases, 49% were females and 50% were males. All the age groups were found to have been affected in these reported cases [ 12 ].

Nigeria has two seasons: the raining season and the dry seasons. The raining season is known to be associated with floods that lead to an increase in the water level, a phenomenon that favors the growth and spread of bacteria and some other vector species, and cholera, making cholera a seasonal infection [ 13 ]. However, the climate change can provoke the level of air pollution [ 14 ], thereby increasing the rate of infection [ 15 ]. Also, the authors have investigated a cholera epidemic that occurred in the dry season in Calabar, southern Nigeria. Moreover, a change in the climate directly affects the lives of the poor making them vulnerable and susceptible to diseases and infections since they live in an unhygienic environment and drink contaminated water [ 16 ]. Hence, the seasonal distribution of cholera infection is not really applicable to Nigeria since the epidemic has been known to occur both in the dry and rainy seasons.

Chronology of the Epidemics of Cholera in Nigeria

According to WHO, Lagos in Nigeria recorded the first ever cases of cholera with a figure of 22,931 and 2,945 deaths. Subsequently, four northern states in the late 1970s witnessed about 260 deaths from the pandemic, mainly affecting Maiduguri, Jere, Gwoza, Biu, and Dikwa local government councils [ 17 ]. According to the WHO, between 1991 and June 2017, Nigeria has recorded a significant number of deaths due to a cholera outbreak with the pandemics in 1991 and 2010, which recorded total cases of 59,478 and 7,654 deaths and 26,240 cases and 1,182 deaths, respectively, being the highest to date [ 18 ]. The data from 2008 to 2017 are presented in Table 1 [ 19 – 26 ].

Cholera epidemic in Nigeria for 10 years

CFR: case fatality rate; FCT: Federal Capital Territory; WHO: World Health Organization

Cloud-Based Health Management System

One of our main goals was to design a cost-effective cloud-based health management system (CBHMS) that could detect and manage cholera using a socio-technical design methodology, which can mainly be used in the health care information design [ 27 ] and is easily affordable and accessible, considering most importantly the developing countries. CBHMS is an envisaged technology, which has not been implemented. Upon adoption and implementation, the proposed model is expected to enhance the early detection, identification, and treatment of cholera in the future.

A recent disclosure estimated that 98.3 million Nigerians are active internet users. Likewise, the International Telecommunication Union, 2017, reported that in per one-hundred population of Nigeria, 75.9% of them are active mobile–cellular subscribers. There has been a rise in the usage of mobile–cellular subscription as against 33% observed in 2013 [ 28 ].

Figure 2 shows the process flow of data/information in the CBHMS. The CBHMS is a web-based system that employs the MySQL™ database for data storage and PHP to implement the frontend/server scripting language. The system is accessed through a single login for each user, and the platform interface is user specific. The proposed system is generic and is expected to perform real-time ondemand infectious diseases recognition, such as cholera identification, drug prescription, management, and monitoring. It consists of three role players, namely, the community health worker (CHW), patient, and doctor.

CBHMS process flow diagram

The CHW serves as the intermediary between the patient and doctor. The CHW who is positioned at a community health center through internet-enabled devices, such as desktop, laptops, iPad®, or mobile phone, scans or inspects the community to register patients who do not have access to a computer device or those who can neither read nor write. They also measure the vital signs of patients shortly before a face-toface meeting with a doctor. In addition, the CHW can view the medical information of patients as well as the doctor’s appointment schedule.

The patient is the person who experiences some symptoms of a disease. These symptoms are entered into the system by the patient after duly registering into the system with a unique username and password. Based on the symptoms of the disease and a pre-entered list of diseases in its database, the software conducts a diagnostic check and identifies the specific disease as well as proffers a solution to the identified disease acquired by patient. If not contented with the diagnosis, the patient can schedule an appointment and visit the doctor.

Based on the availability and the specialties of doctors, patients are assigned automatically by the CBHMS. The doctor interacts with the patient through video calling made possible either via Skype™, WhatsApp®, Facebook®, or any dedicated secured social media video calling platform through the supervision of the CHW. The CHW can view and update a patient medical history as well as the prescribed drugs and refer the patient to a particular hospital.

An APACHE web server in addition to firewalls is used as a security measure to monitor the activities in the system by providing a secured, efficient, and extensible server with HTTP services in accordance with recent HTTP standards to prevent unauthorized access to patient data.

Limitations, such as the inability of rural dwellers to independently use the system, could arise from the use of CBHMS. However, this limitation could be overcome considering that the CHW can guide the users on how the system is utilized. Moreover, passwords could be easily stolen as most of the users might use mobile phones. Additionally, internet access might not be available; however, users can subscribe to personal internet service from the available service providers.

Study Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional analysis was used to investigate and identify the factors aiding the transmission and spread of cholera in Benue State. A cluster random sampling [ 29 ] was used for participant selection. The sample size calculation by Yamane [ 30 ] was adopted to determine the sample size of this study. The formula used was n = N 1 + N ( e ) 2 , where n=sample size; N=population size and e=marginal error. We assumed e=0.05, with a 95% confidence level. Substituting the variables will result in n = N 1 + N ( e ) 2

Hence, a sample size of least 344 participants is required for this survey. However, to arrive at a robust result, 420 participants were recruited for this study. The participants who were informed that their participation is voluntary and that their responses would be confidential were drawn randomly from among farmers, students, housewives, and traders and among others who had at least a minimum education. All participants provided written informed consented before the questionnaire was administered to them. The study was conducted in Benue State, Nigeria, during the Tropical Continental air-mass popularly known as the dry season (October 2017 to April 2018) and the Tropical Maritime air-mass popularly known as the raining season (May 2018 to September 2018).

Data Collection Tools

A quantitative survey approach was used to collect data from the participants in different locations (High level, Wurukum, Northbank, and Wadatta) of Makurdi the Benue State capital. The questionnaire items adopted from other studies [ 31 , 32 ] comprised of demographic data and questions, which required the participants to relate their opinions, as it concerns their willingness, awareness, and attitude toward cholera infection. A seven-point Likert scale was used to rate the questionnaire, wherein 1=strongly disagree, 2=disagree, 3=slightly disagree, 4=neutral, 5=slightly agree, 6=agree, and 7=strongly agree. In total, 420 questionnaires with each consisting of 19 items were administered, and 340 questionnaires were returned, with an 80.9% response rate. However, 40 questionnaires were not used in the final analysis due to blank or incomplete responses from the respondents. Therefore, only 300 questionnaires were used in the final analysis. Data collection was carried out from the July 1, 2018 to August 1, 2018. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS®) software version 21 was used in the analysis.

Survey Procedure

The concept of communicable diseases and cholera was explained to the participants. Thereafter, the authors distributed hard copies of the questionnaires to the participants with a cover letter stating the objectives and the necessities of the study. To ensure the validity of the measuring instruments, the questionnaire was vigorously cross-checked and validated by professionals in the field of health care management. The modifications to the questionnaire, which resulted in a valid content, was guided by their suggestions. The completed questionnaires were collected on the same day from the participants.

Statistical Analysis

Participant’s responses were analyzed with the aid of a Statistical Package for Social Science version 21 (IBM Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA). This software is commonly used by researchers in the statistical analysis of data. Analysis performed on the collected data includes demographic analysis to the see the categories of participants who participated in the survey, a reliability analysis, to determine the reliability of the measuring instrument and lastly, a descriptive analysis, describing participant’s responses and each variables used in the study.

An ethical approval with a reference number MOH/STA/204/Vol.1/28 was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The results and analysis of the survey data used in the study are described. Each question was examined using a coding scheme that summarized the rejoinders into subjects. First, a statistical test was carried out to analyze the data. A frequency test for the demographic questions, reliability analysis to determine the Cronbach’s alpha value of the questionnaire, and a descriptive examination of the survey questions were performed. The outcomes of the demographic data and survey questions were further interpreted and evaluated to achieve the study objectives and proffer solutions and necessary direction for future research purposes.

Demographic Results

The demographic information presented in Table 2 shows the frequency and percentage of the respondents, including gender, occupation, and years of experience.

Socio-demographic results of the data (n=300)

N: frequency of occurrence

In total, 157 females (52%) and 143 males participated in the survey. This ensures a balanced opinion in terms of gender participation. The study also ensured that different categories of individuals were selected as a part of the sample from a larger population. This is also to ensure whether cholera has an effect on different occupations. The participants’ age ranged from 18 years to 70+ years.

Reliability Analysis

To calculate the value of the Cronbach’s alpha of the Likert scale, the questionnaire items for investigating the factors that cause the cholera disease were tested using the reliability analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha value was used to measure the internal reliability (that is consistency) of the Likert scale, which is shown in Table 3 .

Reliability analysis for Cronbach’s alpha value

The Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.911, which is greater than the recommended threshold value of 0.7 mentioned in another study [ 33 ]. However, researchers have different opinions about the recommended threshold value of the Cronbach’s alpha. For example, the Cronbach’s alpha value should be at least 0.6 before it can be considered satisfactory [ 34 ]. Other studies have proposed a value of 0.7 and ≥0.8 for Cronbach’s alpha [ 35 , 36 ]. Therefore, the value obtained in this study (α=0.911) indicates that it has satisfied all the threshold values mentioned in other studies. This value indicates that the questionnaire items are closely related and measure the same subject. In addition, the value shows that the questionnaire is a reliable and a good measuring instrument for the survey.

Descriptive Analysis

Table 4 presents the summary of the frequency and percentage of the survey data.

Frequency–percentage of the survey analysis

ATPH: Attitude Towards Personal Hygiene; AOCS: Awareness of Cholera Symptoms; WTGT: Willingness to Get Treatment; ATHWF: Access to Healthcare Workers and Facilities

The questionnaire items are in a coded format, where ATPH means Attitude toward Personal Hygiene; AOCS means Awareness of Cholera Symptoms, WTGT means Willingness to Get Treatment, and finally ATHWF means Access to Healthcare Workers and Facilities. The 7-point Likert scale with responses from the participants was used in the analysis.

Analysis of Attitude toward Personal Hygiene

The analysis showed that 86% of the participants reported washing their hands with soap and water before/after eating or using the toilet. When asked about cooking food, 86% reported that they ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly; 75% of the participants answered positively regarding washing vegetables and fruits before eating. Similarly, 75% reported that they keep their cooking utensils clean. Finally, the results indicated that 74% of the participants agreed that they make sure the food is covered to avoid flies from touching the food.

Awareness of Cholera Symptoms

The participants were asked about their level of awareness regarding the symptoms of cholera and what cholera causes to the human body; 75% of the participants reported being aware that the main symptom of cholera is watery diarrhea. When asked about what the other symptoms of cholera, 77% of the participants are reported that cholera causes fever, 80% reported that they are aware that cholera usually causes stomach or abdominal pain, and 79% reported that they are aware that cholera causes dehydration (loss of body fluid).

Willingness to Get Treatment

About 79% of the participants reported that they would be willing to visit a cholera center to receive treatment. The participants were asked questions about the nature of the treatment they prefer to receive, and the results of the analysis showed that 68% preferred oral rehydration solution or sugar salt solution. In contrast, 68% reported that they preferred to visit a traditional healer for treatment, and 75% reported that they would prefer to undergo self-treatment. Finally, 70% reported that they do not choose to receive any treatment.

Access to Healthcare Workers and Facilities

The participants were asked questions about the availability of access to health care workers and facilities; 69% reported that there is an availability to access a health care center for those who are infected. Also, 70% of the participants reported that there are adequate health care workers who specialize in the treatment of cholera infection. The participants were asked to confirm whether the health care center is close to the residential area or at a far distance, and 65% reported that the health care center is at a close proximity to residential areas. Finally, 66% reported that the infected patients are well managed.

The findings of this study identified some factors that play a significant role in causing the cholera epidemic in the country. These factors include, but are not limited to, terrorism-related activities and civil unrest, which prevents people from access to clean water, and lack of proper environmental sanitation. This finding corresponds to those another study that qualitatively assessed the resistance toward cholera intervention in Mozambique [ 37 ], wherein insecurity, social disequilibrium, and perceived institutional negligence were reported among the factors that aid the spread of cholera epidemics. Another factor that causes cholera epidemic is flooding to due heavy rainfall, which is prevalent in the areas covered by the case study because of inadequate drainage system. This problem usually contaminates the rivers and streams (which is the source of water for most people in the area) with dirty items, particles, and human and animal waste. This finding is related to the findings of another study that assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cholera preparedness and prevention in South Africa. Contaminated water was reported as a major source of contracting cholera disease [ 38 ]. Similarly, lack of proper sewage disposal has been identified as another causative factor because people sell and buy food closer to the bins, which in turn contaminates the food and water around the area. A cholera epidemic can occur when people consume the infected foods and water. This finding corresponds to those of a study on Geospatial assessment of cholera in a rapidly urbanizing environment, wherein it was stated that waste dump sites affects the environment, which in turn causes the spread of cholera [ 39 ]. Another causative factor identified by the study includes the unhygienic environment. Findings from the study also revealed that people who were infected did not bother to get appropriate treatment as a result of the fear of intimidation or victimization. Others did not get treatment due to financial incapability and poor support from the government.

The study findings identified some key lessons that are essential for enhancing the prevention and control of cholera. Firstly, although the seasonal distribution of cholera infection does not apply in Nigeria, the time of outbreaks and geographical distribution is however predictable. Secondly, there exists substantial evidence on the menace and protective dynamics of the transmission of cholera; taking into cognizance inhibiting factors, such as consumption of contaminated water, unhygienic environment, and inappropriate disposal of waste products, which are all possible routes for the transmission of cholera. Thirdly, the proper and adequate availability of information and awareness of the people regarding the mode and pattern of cholera transmission can help reduce the occurrence of cholera infection and death.

Sequel to these findings, we believe that the following recommendations can enhance the prevention, management, and control of the spread of cholera infections. Considering the connotation that exists amid cholera transmission and the intake of contaminated food, addressing the ways in which food/drinks are handled is a crucial objective. Hence, there is a need for the implementation of environmental and food regulation standards to uphold high hygienic practices of food. In addition, reinforcing the need for food and water safety as well as ensuring that food handlers and traders undergo basic hygiene trainings is necessary to reduce the menace of cholera infections [ 40 ].

Through various communication channels, such as television, radio, and social media, we could create awareness and enlighten the public regarding the menace of cholera infection as well as enhance the significance of food, personal, and environmental hygiene. Furthermore, the development and implementation of a computerized mechanism for the identification of cholera and its readiness and response are required to ensure that the cholera outbreak is detected in a timely manner, and the responses are also provided promptly. The proposed CBHMS could offer this valuable support when it is implemented in the future.

Moreover, WHO has recommended that along with the preventive measures presently in use, immunization programs for the people living in a geographical area susceptible and endemic to cholera infections should be implemented. This action plan will be useful in the long term for preventing new cholera infections. Additionally, the use of oral vaccines has shown to offer a temporary defense of about 85–90% across all age collections within 4–6 months after immunization. However, stakeholders in the health care sector must agree on the choice of cholera vaccines to be used, and such choices should be steered by the availability of necessary logistics and facilitating conditions not forgetting to address the political effects and scopes of the vaccines [ 41 ].

The study is limited by geographic scaling in that it was conducted in one country and only one state was included. Hence, there is a need for future studies with an increased scope to include more countries and bridge any gap that might not have been covered by the present study. However, the limitation notwithstanding factors that contribute to the spread of cholera were adequately investigated and identified.

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate all the staff and management of Benue state health service board and the state ministry of health for the support provided.

Ethics Committee Approval: Ethics committee approval was received for this study from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MOH/STA/204/Vol.1/28).

Informed Consent: Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants who participated in the study.

Peer-review: Externally peer-reviewed.

Author Contributions: Concept – P.E.I.; Design – M.A.Z.; Supervision – M.T.; Data Collection and/or Processing – P.E.I.; Analysis and/or Interpretation – M.A.Z.; Literature Search – P.E.I.; Writing Manuscript – P.E.I., M.A.Z.; Critical Review – M.T.

Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Financial Disclosure: The authors declared that this study has received no financial support.

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Cholera Outbreak Guidelines: Preparedness, prevention and control

This practical field guide brings together lessons learned from Oxfam’s past interventions in the prevention and control of cholera, and other related guidance. The aim is to provide a quick, step-by-step guide to inform cholera outbreak interventions and ensure public health programmes that are rapid, community-based, well-tailored, and gender and diversity aware. They will enable both public health teams and programme managers to undertake necessary preparations to prevent cholera outbreaks from occurring and to respond effectively when they have occurred. They have been specifically designed to fit the cholera outbreak curve, depicting key activities in each critical phase before, during and after an outbreak. They can also be adapted to suit other water- and sanitation-related outbreaks, such as Typhoid, Hepatitis E, and dysentery, as well as other WASH-related diarrhoeal outbreaks. This is a pilot publication, and the team are looking for comments and suggestions on both the co...

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• Published: 03 September 2024

Cholera emergency in Nigeria: urgent need for better vaccine access and public health action

• Abdulrakib Abdulrahim   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2939-7086 1 , 2 ,
• Mohammed Ndana Ibrahim   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6593-6091 1 &
• Bashar Haruna Gulumbe   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0642-6902 1  

Bulletin of the National Research Centre volume  48 , Article number:  86 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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To the Editor,

Since January 2024, Nigeria’s public health system has faced a sharp increase in cases and fatalities, due to cholera outbreaks reported in over 35 states (NCDC 2024 ). Outbreaks of cholera are particularly associated with seasonal flooding, which exposes many Nigerians to cholera risk factors such as lack of water, hygiene, and sanitization, among others (Gulumbe et al. 2023 ). As of July 21, 2024, the ongoing dilemma has resulted in 4809 suspected cases and claimed 156 lives, usually due to serious dehydration and late presentation (NCDC 2024 ). This situation is further exacerbated by Nigeria’s economic challenges, which limit access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, thereby indirectly contributing to the continued spread of the disease. In response to the severity of the crisis, authorities have now declared the outbreak a national emergency, underlining the urgent need for effective intervention and support (Obiezu 2024 ). The World Health Organization and other partners have been crucial in assisting Nigeria's cholera response by providing technical assistance, facilitating vaccine procurement, and supporting control strategies (Nwafor 2024 ). In light of the escalating cholera crisis in Nigeria, this letter urgently calls for better vaccine access and public health action.

Cholera, a water- and food-borne disease, is a persistent challenge in Nigeria and across Africa, where it continues to cause outbreaks annually, affecting millions of people (Gulumbe et al. 2023 ; Obiezu 2024 ). From 2021 to date, it has resulted in over 140,000 suspected cases and killed 4364 Nigerians (Moshood et al. 2024 ). Despite multiple efforts to combat cholera, it continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria every year (Abdulrahim and Adesola 2022 ).

Oral cholera vaccine (OCV) stands as one of the most effective measures for preventing cholera, especially in endemic regions (Global Task Force on Cholera Control 2021 ). These vaccines include Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol®. Dukoral® primarily protects against cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 and also offers protection against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), showing approximately 85% efficacy against cholera (Kabir 2014 ). However, its effectiveness is lower in younger children, and it provides substantial protection for up to 2 years (Kabir 2014 ). Shanchol™ and Euvichol® are both effective against Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 serogroups. They have an efficacy of approximately 65% and provide protection for up to 5 years, making them suitable for use in cholera-endemic regions (Baik et al. 2015 ; Shaikh et al. 2020 ). Dukoral® is particularly suitable for travelers due to its additional protection against ETEC, while Shanchol™ and Euvichol® are ideal for longer-term protection in endemic regions.

The use of OCV for outbreak containment in Nigeria is not new; for example, an OCV preventive campaign was exercised to control outbreaks in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Kebbi, respectively, between November 2018 and September 2019, which also extended to November 2021 (Global Task Force on Cholera Control 2021 ). Since then, OCV has been a vital element in cholera mitigation and management in Nigeria (Global Task Force on Cholera Control 2021 ). However, as stated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control director general, the country is experiencing a shortage of OCV, though the health minister has requested assistance from donor partners (Moshood et al. 2024 ).

There is a need to plan ahead by securing and making vaccines readily accessible, especially to the cholera epicenters in Nigeria, as well as strengthening preventive measures that have been shown to be productive, such as optimizing surveillance, improved access water sanitation and hygiene facilities, managing flood risks, and promoting disease awareness. Similarly, the global demand for OCV is greater than the produced and available doses (Moshood et al. 2024 ). As Nigeria anticipates support for cholera vaccines soon, they should also plan and execute epidemiological interventions, such as the Global Task Force on Cholera Control hotspot mapping tool employed to contain outbreaks in 2018, 2019, and 2021 in cholera epicenters in Nigeria (Global Task Force on Cholera Control 2021 ). This mapping should include both urban centers and rural communities to ensure that vaccines are deployed where they are most needed, targeting specific states, local governments, or wards with the highest vulnerability to cholera outbreaks. Mapping high-risk areas for cholera is crucial in guiding the efficient distribution of vaccines and resources in both urban and rural settings. Using tools like geographic information systems can help to identify high-incidence zones, public health officials can prioritize vaccine distribution and resource allocation in areas with the highest vulnerability (Salubi and Elliott 2021 ). This approach is crucial for targeting densely populated urban centers with poor sanitation as well as remote rural communities with limited access to healthcare and clean water. Continuous monitoring and updating of risk maps will allow for adaptive health strategies, ensuring that interventions remain effective and resources are directed to the most critical areas. Furthermore, international cooperation is also essential in securing adequate vaccine doses, enabling Nigeria to collaborate with global health organizations, donor countries, and vaccine manufacturers. This collective effort not only addresses immediate public health crises but also bolsters long-term preparedness and resilience against future outbreaks.

Conclusions

The ongoing cholera crisis in Nigeria, compounded by a critical shortage of vaccines, requires urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders. The scarcity of vaccines underlines the need for immediate international cooperation to secure and distribute these life-saving resources where they are most needed. Adopting strategic partnerships and focusing on effective distribution allows us to address the current emergency and build resilience against future outbreaks. Now is the time to act decisively to prevent further devastation and strengthen public health defenses.

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

Abbreviations

Oral cholera vaccine

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

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Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abdulrakib Abdulrahim, Mohammed Ndana Ibrahim & Bashar Haruna Gulumbe

Bacterial Research Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abdulrakib Abdulrahim

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AA conceived the idea and participated in manuscript writing, review, and editing. MNI and BHG participated in manuscript writing, review, and editing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Abdulrakib Abdulrahim .

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Abdulrahim, A., Ibrahim, M.N. & Gulumbe, B.H. Cholera emergency in Nigeria: urgent need for better vaccine access and public health action. Bull Natl Res Cent 48 , 86 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-024-01242-x

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Received : 10 July 2024

Accepted : 29 August 2024

Published : 03 September 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-024-01242-x

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