In an outbreak that has seen cases treble to 472 697 in 2022, Nigeria is leading in Africa with the largest number of cholera cases that have been documented.
The nation outperformed other countries that recorded substantial cases, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Malawi, and Somalia, by reporting 23,839 cases, including 597 deaths, to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In Nigeria, local communities accounted for 80% of deaths, according to newly disclosed WHO data. Since 2021, when Nigeria accounted for 78% of reported cases and 88% of reported deaths in Africa, the pattern hasn't changed all that much. In general, Africa witnessed a 29% drop in cases that were reported, a 52% drop in deaths that were reported, and a drop in the case fatality ratio from 2.9 to 1.9%.
To guarantee that residents of impacted nations do not pass away from an illness that is easily treated, the WHO noted that additional study is needed to track the number of community deaths and the risk factors for high CFRs.
The epidemiological study also reveals that there were 24 requests from 12 countries for 72 million doses of the oral cholera vaccine (OCV) in 2022, which was a twofold increase from 2021. There were only 40 million dosages authorized. As for preventive campaigns, only one request from Nigeria was made through the Global Task Force on Cholera Control mechanism in 2022, and 10 million doses (or 25% of the required amounts) were accepted.
Due to supply issues, the WHO said that Nigeria did not get all of the dosages authorized for preventive campaigns.
The International Coordinating Group (ICG)'s unexpected decision to temporarily halt the standard 2-dose vaccination protocol in response to the cholera outbreak in October 2022 put a strain on the world's supply of OCV. Instead, it chose to follow the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization's advice and implement a single-dose strategy. Despite the paucity of data on the length of protection, epidemic response using a single dose has been successful.
If the danger of cholera persists, more primary vaccinations may be required to ensure more extensive protection. This restriction has been in place through 2023 due to greater demand than supply. Vibrio cholerae-containing feces can contaminate food and water, which can then transmit the acute intestinal infection known as cholera.
As a result of underdevelopment, poverty, and violence, it is intimately related to insufficient safe water and sanitation. Since extreme climate events like floods, droughts, and cyclones both start new outbreaks and exacerbate current ones, climate change is contributing to this uptick as well.
According to the most recent estimates for 2023, this global rise is still present. There are active outbreaks reported in 24 countries, some of which are experiencing severe crises.
To combat cholera, the WHO is seeking $160 million through its worldwide strategic preparedness, readiness, and response plan. The WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies has released $16 million for the 2022 and 2023 cholera response.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that it assists nations in responding to cholera outbreaks on an emergency basis by enhancing public health surveillance, case management, and prevention measures; providing basic medical supplies; coordinating field deployments with partners; and fostering risk communication and community engagement.
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