Nigeria: Cholera outbreak in restive Borno state successfully contained, says WHO

A cholera outbreak, which began in August, in Nigeria's conflict-affected Borno state has been successfully contained, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced.

According to the UN health agency, the feat is a "major accomplishment" in a region hit hard by Boko Haram violence that has displaced millions and driven hundreds of thousands to severe food insecurity.

Joint efforts by a wide range of partners and the leadership of the state Ministry of Health was crucial to achieve the result, WHO added.

The highlight of the response was a massive oral cholera vaccine campaign, which provided some 1.8 million doses to 900,000 people.

In addition, the UN health agency set up an early warning and surveillance system that provided vital data, enabling effective and targeted interventions.

The response also included providing safe chlorinated water, setting up treatment centres and laboratory testing, as well as community outreach on the disease and precautions.

However, with conflict continuing to affect Borno and neighbouring states, future risks of disease outbreak cannot be ruled out.

Its head of programs in Nigeria, Wondimagegnehu Alemu, therefore, called for continued vigilance for warning signs that could signal another outbreak of cholera or other epidemic-prone diseases.

Vibhu Mishra, United Nations/GBCONLINE.
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