The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Cholera

  • NNMDA on the brink of combating Cholera 

    NNMDA on the brink of combating Cholera 

    …begins work on AMR 

    The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) is making significant progress towards developing solutions to combat cholera outbreaks in Nigeria with natural medicine, it emerged on Tuesday. 

    The agency also highlighted its ongoing focus on addressing antimicrobial resistance caused by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, a growing public health concern, even as it unveiled, earlier this year, four Indigenous oral medicines as part of its commitment to promoting local solutions to healthcare challenges. 

    The agency’s Director General (DG), Prof. Martins Emeje, emphasised the urgent need to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines, calling for deliberate, sustained efforts to harness the country’s comparative advantage in the mass production of natural remedies. 

    Speaking during a hybrid end-of-the-year media engagement in Lagos, the DG disclosed that the agency had secured accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to award diplomas in Natural Medicine, a milestone he noted underscores the agency’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria as a global hub for natural medicine. 

    The DG further stated that the agency is actively engaging stakeholders and regulators to facilitate the mass production of promising indigenous medicines, particularly for diseases such as cholera and sickle cell anaemia. 

    According to him, the process has reached an advanced stage, with the agency awaiting approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) that will enable the transition to the next phases of clinical studies and trials, paving the way for the mass production of the medicine. 

    Emphasising the importance of adhering to rigorous regulatory processes to guarantee the safety and efficacy of natural medicines, he added that, while awaiting approvals, the agency remains committed to ongoing research and is preparing for the unveiling of future products. 

    Read Also: NIMR targets development of Cholera, Lassa fever vaccines by 2025

    “While we are waiting for approvals, we have also moved on. We shall be unveiling new products in 2025,” the DG assured. 

    Highlighting the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, Emeje emphasised the agency’s strong commitment to addressing this critical issue, given its far-reaching impact on the nation’s health security. 

    He noted that Nigeria has no reason to remain dependent on external solutions, citing environmental contamination, such as the presence of tetracycline in water systems, as a factor that diminishes the effectiveness of conventional treatments. 

    Emeje contrasted this with the holistic potential of natural medicine, where plants naturally contain thousands of bioactive compounds synergistically combined to combat diseases effectively. 

    Expressing confidence in the agency’s ability to integrate natural medicine into Nigeria’s mainstream health system, Emeje highlighted the growing global recognition of the agency’s achievements on international platforms. 

    He revealed that, in addition to a four-year grant from the Canadian Institute for Health Research to advance natural medicine development, 16 Professors of Medicine from the nation’s tertiary institutions are already collaborating with the agency on natural medicine initiatives. 

    He emphasised the agency’s prioritisation of capacity building to address the reliance on outsourcing research to contractors, a situation he encountered upon assuming office. 

    This strategic shift has enabled the agency to actively participate in global scientific conferences for the first time in nearly three decades. Notably, the agency achieved first and third positions in international research competitions in August and November this year, marking a significant milestone just one year into his leadership. 

    According to him, NNMDA’s achievements in 2024 included the development and unveiling of four herbal products targeting critical diseases, using nanotechnology to underscore the potential of indigenous knowledge combined with modern science. 

    The DG also said the agency has made significant strides, such as creating a national database of traditional practitioners, starting with groups from the grassroots. 

    These efforts, he said, aim to document and integrate traditional knowledge into the broader healthcare framework, assuring that giant strides from the sector should be expected soon. 

    Looking ahead, the DG revealed that the agency plans to prioritise several key initiatives in 2025, including the creation of a traditional medicine database, the training of traditional medicine practitioners, the documentation of Nigeria’s biodiversity, and efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. 

    Emeje also highlighted plans to intensify the establishment of research farms across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and prioritise the Cassava Value Addition Initiative (CVAI), a project highly valued by the National Assembly. 

    Additionally, he disclosed the agency’s goal to establish a Pilot Plant to scale laboratory research to industrial production levels, an initiative, he said, is crucial for bridging the gap between preclinical studies and clinical trials, ensuring the effective transition of research findings into tangible health solutions. 

    “Our vision is focused solely on harmonising Indigenous knowledge with modern science, to pave the way for sustainable healthcare solutions for Nigeria and the world,” Emeje said. 

    The highlight of the event was the launch of Journalists for Natural Medicine (JONAMED), a coalition of media executives committed to advancing the promotion of Nigeria’s natural medicine.

  • Cholera cases rise to 289 cases with 17 deaths in Niger

    Cholera cases rise to 289 cases with 17 deaths in Niger

    Cholera cases in Niger state have risen to 289, with 17 deaths and nine hospitalised across 11 local government areas. 

    The Niger Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, Bello Tukur disclosed this when he appeared before the Niger Assembly when he and his counterpart in the Ministry of Primary Health were summoned to explain what is being done regarding the increasing cases of cholera in the state.

    He said there were response strategies being implemented for the cholera outbreak in the state, saying a committee have been set up in this regard.

    The Commissioner said that work was being done to ensure coordinated efforts across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare.

    Read Also: Cholera: FCT activates emergency operations centre

    sectors to effectively manage the outbreak adding that the state is deploying both technical expertise and strategic planning to enhance the state’s epidemic preparedness.

    The Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Health, Pharmacist Umar Nasiru, representing Paikoro Constituency called on the public to avoid open defecation, properly dispose of waste, and boil water from unknown sources before use.

    He urged anyone experiencing symptoms of diarrhea to seek medical attention immediately rather than resorting to self-medication. 

  • Cholera: FCT activates emergency operations centre

    Cholera: FCT activates emergency operations centre

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has activated its Cholera Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) following the confirmation of 11 cases out of 32 suspected cases of the disease. 

    The action is part of heightened surveillance and preparedness efforts to address a potential cholera outbreak within the territory.

    Baba Gana Adam, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, emphasised the need for the activation, citing a widespread of cholera cases nationwide. 

    While activating the Cholera Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), he stressed that, as a rapidly growing city, the FCT remains vulnerable to cholera, making it crucial to adopt preventive and containment strategies to mitigate any potential outbreak.

    According to him, the Secretariat would commit all necessary resources to avert a cholera crisis, calling on stakeholders to collaborate and develop effective, sustainable strategies to curb the disease.

    In response, the FCT Public Health Department convened a Cholera Update meeting, gathering key stakeholders to assess the situation, focusing on mapping high-risk areas and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each party in addressing the threat.

    During the meeting, the Acting Director of the FCT Public Health Department, Dan Gadzama said, “The FCT recently recorded about 32 suspected cases, with 3 laboratory-confirmed cases and 8 confirmed cases through Rapid Diagnostic Tests.

    “This prompted the activation of the Cholera Emergency Operations Centre to prevent the escalation and spread of the disease”.

    Gadzama emphasized that the FCT had implemented several preparedness measures even before the first cholera cases were confirmed. 

    These measures, according to him, include identifying high-risk areas, which are now on high alert, launching public education and awareness campaigns, and providing training for healthcare workers.

    Additionally, he said a Cholera Incident Management Team has been established, comprising relevant stakeholders, explaining that cholera, an infectious bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated food, water, and feces. 

    Read Also: Cholera kills couple, 18 others in Lagos, Niger

    He also underscored the importance of addressing environmental factors in controlling the disease, highlighting the active role of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in the ongoing cholera control efforts.

    FCT State Epidemiologist Lawal Lukman Ademola emphasized that cholera is linked to a lack of clean drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate food hygiene. 

    He also echoed the need for government, individuals, and communities to play active roles in prevention. 

    With the confirmed cases, he said the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Center (FCT-PHEOC) is now in response mode, continuing public awareness campaigns on preventing cholera and other diseases like Mpox.

  • Toddler dies of ‘cholera’ in Lagos

    Toddler dies of ‘cholera’ in Lagos

    • Many hospitalised

    A toddler was reported dead yesterday in what is believed to be cholera in Isolo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

    Scores were admitted in various hospitals in the council.

    The toddler, whose identity was yet to be ascertained, was said to have died at a private hospital around the Ali Dada around Ago Palace Way last weekend.

    It was gathered that three other kids, siblings and their mother who were also rushed to the hospital, were referred to another facility, off Ago Palace Way, due to lack of space.

    The Nation gathered that most hospitals in Isolo, including the General Hospital, were overflowing with cholera patients, an upsurge, said to be traceable to the consumption of African salad known as Abacha.

    Our correspondent, who visited one of the hospitals on Monday and yesterday, observed that there were over eight patients on admission.

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    This development, it was gathered, compelled the doctor to refuse admitting other non-cholera/infectious diseases cases to prevent further spread of the disease.

    It was also gathered that some of the patients who could not afford the high cost of treatment at hospitals were patronising pharmacies.

    At Isolo General Hospital, The Nation gathered that the Accident and Emergency Unit where cholera patients were restricted, was overfilled.

    A source who pleaded anonymity said they received over 10 cases in one day, adding that most of the patients were given prescriptions to purchase their medications because of the high cost of antibiotics.

    “If care is not taken, a lot of patients will die as a result of cholera. This is because it costs over N500,000 to treat a patient. The drugs have become so expensive that most hospitals do not even want to get involved. Once a case is brought and they assess the person does not have money, they will just give a referral to the general hospital because they don’t want any death in their facility to avoid problems.

    “The big private hospitals still accepting these patients are just doing so on compassionate grounds. We treated a patient here yesterday who almost slumped at a pharmacy where she went to get drugs. She was brought down in our ambulance and we stabilised her. Put her on IV infusions and injection of Rocephine, other antibiotics and medications to flush her system. After she was stabilised, we asked her to pay money so that a card could be opened for her where the results of the tests conducted could be kept.but she told us that she went to the pharmacy because she didn’t have money for the hospital.

    That she only had N10,000 which couldn’t even cover the cost of the drugs she bought at the pharmacy which we paid for since she was too weak to stand up or bring out her wallet,” the source said.

    Calls to the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, for reactions were not answered.

  • Pharmaceutical firm gives drugs to states with cholera

    Pharmaceutical firm gives drugs to states with cholera

    Reals Pharmaceutical,  has given drugs to areas with cholera outbreaks

     This comes at a time states are grappling with cholera, which has reportedly claimed hundreds of lives and overwhelmed healthcare systems.

     Caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water, cholera has been a problem in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

     Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said 2024 outbreak has been severe, with over 4,809 suspected cases, resulting in 156 deaths.

     The Federal Government and World Health Organisation (WHO) have advocated  urgent medical supplies, clean water and proper sanitation to contain spread of the disease.

     As its Corporate Social Responsibility, Reals Pharmaceutical stepped up by donating Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), known as “Electrorush” to worse hit states.

     In a statement  by management, the company is ready to donate “Electrorush” to Borno and Adamawa states.

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     This will improve public health in the states and treat  those affected by the disease. It has donated 600 packs of “Electrorush” to Ebonyi for treatment of patients affected by cholera.

     Presenting the drug at Ebonyi State Ministry of Health in Abakaliki, Group Managing Director, Ade Popoola, represented by Business Manager ,East, Lucky Uwajei, said the donation will help those affected by the disease.

     “In line with our commitment to supporting public health initiatives, Reals Pharmaceutical donates Electrorush, ready-to-drink oral rehydration solution… he said

     Receiving the donation, Health Commissioner, Moses Ekuma, said Ebonyi is in a trying period because of cholera.

    He  said: “It just came suddenly. Of course, we have been witnessing such in the past but this year it came in a bigger magnitude…’’

  • Real Pharmaceutical donates drugs to states  with Cholera outbreaks 

    Real Pharmaceutical donates drugs to states  with Cholera outbreaks 

    In response to the rising Cholera outbreaks affecting several states across the country, Reals Pharmaceutical Ltd, a leading pharmaceutical company, has donated hundreds of life-saving drugs to the impacted regions.

    The donation comes at a crucial moment as many states struggle with the health crisis, which has reportedly claimed hundreds of lives and overwhelmed healthcare systems in affected areas.

    Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by consuming contaminated food or water, remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, especially in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

     According to Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), the 2024 outbreak has been specifically severe, with over 4,809 suspected cases, resulting in 156 deaths that have been recorded across the federation especially, in the most affected areas. 

    The alarming situation underscores the Federal Government’s and international organizations’—including the World Health Organization (WHO)—call for urgent medical supplies, clean water, and improved sanitation to curb the spread of the disease.

    In response, and as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Reals Pharmaceutical Ltd stepped in to provide relief by donating its ready-to-drink Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) known as “Electrorush” to the hardest-hit states.

    According to a statement from the company’s management, arrangements have been finalized to carry out this CSR initiative in Borno and Adamawa States, with plans to donate “Electrorush” to regions where cholera outbreaks continue to threaten public health.

    Read Also: Cholera outbreak: 287,708 people vaccinated in Borno – Commissioner

    This effort aims not only to improve public health in these states but also to aid in the treatment of those affected by the disease and reduce mortality rates. Recently, the company visited Ebonyi State to donate 600 packs of “Electrorush” to the state government, supporting the treatment of patients suffering from the ongoing cholera outbreak. 

    The contribution is part of the company’s wider commitment to easing the impact of cholera in the most affected regions.

     Presenting the drug at the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health in Abakaliki, the Group Managing Director, Ade Popoola, who was represented by Business Manager East, Lucky Uwajei stated that the donation was part of Reals’ Corporate Social Responsibility and will help those affected by the disease.

     “In line with our commitment to supporting public health initiatives, Reals Pharmaceutical Limited is pleased to offer a substantial donation of Electrorush, the first ready-to-drink oral rehydration solution (ORS) in Nigeria.

    “We understand the vital importance of rehydration in the treatment of cholera, particularly in preventing dehydration associated with acute diarrhoea.

    “Electrorush is particularly formulated to provide immediate hydration and assist in recovery during diarrhoea episodes, making it an essential resource in this challenging time.

     “We look forward to collaborating with your office and the director of Pharmaceutical Services to ensure that these donations effectively reach the communities most impacted by the outbreak,” the MD stated. 

    Receiving the donation on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma said Ebonyi state is in a difficult period because of the outbreak of cholera. 

    He  said: “It just came suddenly. Of course, we have been witnessing such in the past but this year it came in a bigger magnitude. 

     “This drink is very important because one problem we have with sachet ORS is that either it is over-diluted or under-diluted and either of those is not good. The quality of water is also not guaranteed.

    “After all, it must cause some problems. But this Electrorush is wonderful because you don’t need any dilution again, you just open and drink.” Electrorush is a scientifically formulated, ready-to-drink Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) designed to address the limitations of sachet ORS. 

    “By providing a pre-mixed, ready-to-consume solution, Electrorush offers benefits such as immediate rehydration, safety, convenience and effectiveness in cholera treatment. 

    “It’s also pleasantly tasting for Children. Through these donations, Reals Pharmaceutical aims to provide a swift and effective response to the public health crises facing these states.”

    The company noted that it remains committed to partnering with governments and health authorities to ensure access to life-saving rehydration solutions, helping communities combat preventable diseases like Cholera.

  • Cholera claims five more lives in Ebonyi

    Cholera claims five more lives in Ebonyi

    Five more persons have been confirmed dead in the cholera outbreak ravaging communities in  Ebonyi State.

    The recent deaths were recorded at Ndiagu Okpo-Itumo community in Abakaliki Local Government Area.

    Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, confirmed the figure to our reporter yesterday.

    Ekuma said the outbreak has been curtailed with the quick intervention of the state government, development partners and local government officials.

    He outlined the efforts made by the Ministry of Health, the development partners and Abakalili Local Government chairman, including the stakeholders, to curtail the disease and urged the people not to panic.

    Ekuma said the affected people who are at various activated treatment centres were responding to treatment.

    “The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, Council Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government, the Ebonyi State Rapid Response team and other stakeholders moved immediately to that Community and the outbreak as we speak has been curtailed.

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    “There is no need for Ebonyians to panic. Presently, we have not had new cases. The ones we have now are the ones that are in the treatment centers,” he said.

    This brings to18 the number of deaths recorded from the recent outbreak of the disease.

    Ten persons were initially reported to have died in Ndibokote community in neighbouring Izzi Local Government Area.

    The death toll would later rise to 13 from the affected patients even as the disease would later spread to three other villages in the area.

    The disease has so far spread to three local governments of Ebonyi, Izzi and Abakaliki all in Ebonyi North Senatorial zone.

  • Death toll in Ebonyi cholera outbreak rises to 13

    Death toll in Ebonyi cholera outbreak rises to 13

    The death toll from the cholera outbreak in Ebonyi state has risen to 13, according to the state government.

    The Health Commissioner, Moses Ekuma, however, said on Sunday, September 29, in Abakaliki that no further deaths have occurred since the government’s intervention, along with support from development partners.

    Ekuma confirmed that 69 cases and 13 deaths were recorded, but noted that the fatalities happened before the state’s response efforts.

    He reassured the public that the outbreak has been brought under control, with no new cases reported since Friday, September 27.

    He explained that the disease had spread to other villages such as Ndiogbaga Obashi, Oferekpe in Izzi Local Government Area, and Okum village in Ebonyi Local Government Area apart from Ndibokote where it started from.

    According to him, the swift action taken by the Ministry, partners, and stakeholders made the affected people they met alive to survive.

    Read Also: Nigeria will surmount challenges, Hamzat assures

    He said: “Presently we have about 69 confirmed cases in Ebonyi State and 13 deaths have been confirmed to be from cholera. Most of the deaths occurred in a village called Ndibokote in Ezza Inyimagu Community in Izzi Local Government Area and a nearby village called Ndiogbaga Obashi”.

    He outlined the effort made by the Ministry of Health, the development partners, and the Izzi Local Government Chairman including the stakeholders to curtail the disease and urged the people not to panic.

    The Health boss disclosed that the affected people at different activated treatment centres are responding to treatment.

    “So the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO, Council Chairman of Local Government, the Ebonyi State Rapid Response team, and other stakeholders moved immediately to that Community and the outbreak as we speak has been curtailed.

    “So there is no need for Ebonyians to panic. Presently, we’ve not had a new case since yesterday. The ones we have now are the ones that are in the treatment centres,” Ekuma said.

    He maintained that cholera is an oral disease and not an airborne disease and advised the people to observe personal and environmental hygiene as well as report suspected cases for prevention and treatment.

    He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure the good health and well-being of Ebonyi residents.

  • Adamawa Reports 12 deaths from cholera outbreak

    Adamawa Reports 12 deaths from cholera outbreak

    The Adamawa state government has confirmed the outbreak of cholera, with 12 persons dead.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Felix Tangwami, in a statement in Yola on Sunday, September 22, said the dead were among 30 people who tested positive out of 50 samples of suspected cases.

    The commissioner stated: “On behalf of the state governor, I want to inform you all that we have received the results of samples sent to NCDC for confirmation. It’s confirmed that what we are dealing with is acute watery diarrhoea or cholera.

    “Unfortunately, out of the 50 samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja, 30 samples returned positive for cholera, six came back negative, two were still ongoing, and 12 were still pending in isolation.

    The commissioner who had last week dismissed stories about a cholera outbreak in the state, added, “With these results, therefore, I want to confirm to the public that there is an outbreak of cholera in Adamawa.”

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    He advised the people to be cautious of their movements, interactions, personal hygiene, and the source of water they drink.

    “The public is assured that the government through its health workers is doing everything possible by the grace of God to contain the situation as it has done in the past with other similar outbreaks.

    “We ask that people should continue to pray for us as we face this monster. They should remain calm and cooperate with health workers as they go around to sensitize and give professional advice,” the commissioner stated.

  • Club holds cholera awareness, cleanliness

    Club holds cholera awareness, cleanliness

    Lagos Metropolitan Lions Club has unveiled an environmental sanitation initiative to raise awareness about the fight against cholera in Ipodo community, Lagos.

    This marks the first activity of the club in the new Lion year under Victor Aylor.

    Focusing on sanitising the community and educating residents on cholera prevention, the campaign was warmly received by residents.

    The community’s reaction to the campaign was positive, with many hailing the club’s commitment to their promises.

    In his remarks, Aylor reflecting on successful launch of the campaign, reiterating the club’s dedication to fulfilling its commitments and support to Ipodo community.

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    Emeka Joseph, a local cafeteria owner, praised Lions Club’s efforts, noting such measures are unusual and will benefit his business by ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for his customers.

    Also, a community leader, Chief Lateef Apena, said the community will uphold the clean environment and urged the club to meet other needs.

    “We appreciate the club for this, they came to us and told us about their plans to help us  and here they are doing what they promised.” he said.

    In addition to the sanitation, residents are hopeful for the club’s future plans, particularly construction of public toilets to help enhance the community’s health and well-being.