Brace yourselves, Nigeria! Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, has just tweeted that cholera vaccines are en route to Nigeria. You heard it right, the much-needed cholera vaccines will soon touch down to combat the deadly outbreak sweeping the nation.
What They Are saying
In a tweet on Thursday, Nishtar expressed her optimism, stating that vaccines from the Gavi-funded global stockpile are on their way. She assured that these vaccines would play a crucial role in curbing the deadly cholera outbreak that has gripped the country. She also highlighted the collaboration with UNICEF and WHO to support the Nigerian health authorities, including the Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Pate, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Nishtar tweeted, “Encouraged to learn that #Cholera vaccines from the #Gavi-funded global vaccine stockpile will soon arrive in Nigeria to help curb the country’s deadly and ongoing outbreak. We stand ready to work with our partners #UNICEF and #WHO to support Minister #muhammadpate, #Fmohnigeria, and #NCDCgov’s timely efforts to contain this outbreak and protect those at the highest risk.
“Despite the large number of cholera outbreaks this year, our stockpile is now fully replenished, and production continues at maximum capacity. We hope to keep supporting cholera-affected countries with their control plans. #stopcholera
Why It Matters
Cholera, a highly contagious disease spread through contaminated food and water, has become a familiar foe during Nigeria’s rainy season. With poor sanitation and flooding exacerbating the issue, the situation has grown dire. As of mid-July, the NCDC has reported 3,623 suspected cases and 103 deaths across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the outbreak affecting 187 local government areas.
Nishtar voiced her concern on June 27, emphasizing Gavi’s readiness to support Nigeria, including the provision of emergency vaccine doses. In response, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, thanked Nishtar for her efforts. He also acknowledged President Tinubu’s leadership in establishing a multi-sector cabinet committee to tackle the outbreak through a national response coordinated by the NCDC.
Pate’s tweet read, “Thanks, #SaniaNishtar, for facilitating our early access to #Gavi-funded #Cholera vaccines. We will deploy the vaccines efficiently and effectively in response to the ongoing outbreak.”
Despite the depressing statistics, there’s a flicker of hope. Pate noted early signs of the outbreak slowing but cautioned against complacency, stressing that the situation could reverse. The arrival of the cholera vaccines, he hopes, will bolster the fight against this relentless disease.
Bottom Line
So, as we await the vaccines, let’s hope this isn’t just another drop in the ocean but a real turning point in the fight against cholera in Nigeria.
