The WHO highlights severe gaps in cholera surveillance in Nigeria, which reported 1,562 cases from January to May 2025 amidst a global rise in cholera cases. The report indicates potential underreporting, with Nigeria often struggling with inadequate sanitation infrastructure. Experts are concerned about broader outbreaks if measures do not improve, while the African region leads in cholera-related deaths this year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed serious concerns over significant deficiencies in cholera surveillance and reporting, particularly noting Nigeria’s troubling situation as the country battles rising suspected cases amid a global increase. Between January 1 and May 25, 2025, Nigeria recorded 1,562 cholera cases, elevating its contribution to 117,346 cases documented across 17 countries in the WHO African Region during that same timeframe. This troubling data was exclusively obtained by our correspondent from the WHO on Friday.
Despite these numbers, WHO warned that actual statistics may be grossly understated due to pervasive underreporting, delays in submitting data, and limited diagnostic capabilities throughout affected areas. The organization stated, “The data presented here should be interpreted cautiously due to potential underreporting and reporting delays, which may affect the timeliness of reports, and thus, the figures might not accurately represent the true burden of cholera.”
The situation is alarming as reported data from January 1 to May 25, 2025, indicated a cumulative total of 211,678 cholera cases and 2,754 deaths across 26 countries in three WHO regions, with the African Region leading in both cases and fatalities. Following Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia regions reported high numbers of cases and deaths, underscoring the widespread nature of the outbreak.
In a concerning trend, cholera and acute watery diarrhea cases surged by 35 percent in May, according to WHO’s latest global epidemiological update, with the African Region accounting for nearly half of the new 52,589 cases reported worldwide. During this time, Nigeria noted a concerning average of 5.7 million doses of Oral Cholera Vaccine stockpiled, marking the sixth consecutive month that the level exceeded the emergency threshold of five million doses.
Public health experts delineate that Nigeria has historically faced recurring cholera outbreaks, particularly during its rainy seasons, attributable to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas. The warning is dire: experts argue that, unless Nigeria intensifies its surveillance and response efforts, an even broader outbreak could erupt, risking more lives than before.
The WHO’s report highlighted a sobering statistic: the highest cholera-related deaths this year occurred in the African Region, with a staggering 2,447 fatalities recorded. Among them, Nigeria has lost at least 48 individuals to this illness. In light of this dire situation, the WHO advocates for urgent investment in prevention strategies, early detection protocols, and improved accessibility to treatment for communities affected by cholera.
In summary, the WHO’s alarming report indicates a significant rise in cholera cases and deaths, particularly in Nigeria, which faces ongoing challenges related to inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. With the risk of underreporting being a critical factor, experts urge immediate action to bolster cholera surveillance and response systems. Without urgent investments in health infrastructure and preventive measures, Nigeria may experience a worsening public health crisis.
Original Source: punchng.com
