Nigeria is partnering with Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, to secure emergency vaccine donations in anticipation of potential shortages as cholera cases continue to mount nationwide.
Gavi’s chief Executive Officer, Dr Sania Nishtar, said on her X handle on Thursday that the organisation was deeply concerned about the cholera outbreak in Nigeria and was ready to support the country in its response.
“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 in quickly responding, including requesting emergency vaccine doses.
“The global cholera stockpile, which is funded by Gavi, is currently fully replenished and ready to help contain outbreaks and protect those at highest risk.”
On Monday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it had launched the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to contain the mounting cases in the country.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said the EOC would be the hub for the coordination of response across the country.
“It will ensure efficient deployment of needed resources, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity and capabilities, enhance case management, training and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities,” Idris stated.
He disclosed that experts who conducted the risk assessment placed Nigeria at high risk of increased transmission and impact.
