Review of public health preparedness and response to cholera; lessons from Nigeria’s 2024 outbreak

Abstract Cholera is a disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is of public health significance especially in Sub- Saharan Africa where the disease is still endemic in many countries. The symptoms of cholera include acute watery diarrhea, fever, and vomiting which can lead to dehydration...

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Main Authors: Glory Olalekan Adebajo, Gbenga Joseph Alabi, Oreoluwa Christiana Oladele, Damilola Jeremiah Ayowole, Ifedolapo Temitope Ogedengbe, Samuel Oluwatimilehin Abati
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-04-01
Series:Discover Public Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00583-w
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author Glory Olalekan Adebajo
Gbenga Joseph Alabi
Oreoluwa Christiana Oladele
Damilola Jeremiah Ayowole
Ifedolapo Temitope Ogedengbe
Samuel Oluwatimilehin Abati
author_facet Glory Olalekan Adebajo
Gbenga Joseph Alabi
Oreoluwa Christiana Oladele
Damilola Jeremiah Ayowole
Ifedolapo Temitope Ogedengbe
Samuel Oluwatimilehin Abati
author_sort Glory Olalekan Adebajo
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Cholera is a disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is of public health significance especially in Sub- Saharan Africa where the disease is still endemic in many countries. The symptoms of cholera include acute watery diarrhea, fever, and vomiting which can lead to dehydration and subsequently death if left untreated. Reports from the World Health Organization in July 2024 found 6092 new cases across nine African countries. The cumulative African and Nigerian case fatality rate stands at 1.8% and 2.9% respectively which is above the acceptable 1% level. Nigeria experienced a fresh outbreak in June 2024 with new cases still being diagnosed as of writing despite many public health strategies put in place to prevent recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Nigeria’s public health strategies in controlling cholera outbreaks and assess the preparedness of the healthcare system in managing these crises. We summarised the epidemiology of the current outbreak and critically analyzed the response efforts, identifying both strengths and weaknesses. Challenges identified during the current outbreak include insufficient funding for cholera action plans, inadequate potable water and hygiene practices, open defecation, lack of trained personnel, and shortages of supplies and educational materials in affected communities. Strengthening community-based surveillance, building resilient healthcare infrastructure, and fostering cross-border collaboration are key to cholera preparedness. Prioritizing community engagement and education while continuously evaluating response plans is also essential.
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spelling doaj-art-ec8dc81a6dee455191f73b53e73c56cf2025-08-20T03:14:05ZengSpringerDiscover Public Health3005-07742025-04-0122111110.1186/s12982-025-00583-wReview of public health preparedness and response to cholera; lessons from Nigeria’s 2024 outbreakGlory Olalekan Adebajo0Gbenga Joseph Alabi1Oreoluwa Christiana Oladele2Damilola Jeremiah Ayowole3Ifedolapo Temitope Ogedengbe4Samuel Oluwatimilehin Abati5Department of Medicine, Federal Medical CenterDepartment of Medicine, Federal Medical CenterDepartment of Nursing, Federal Medical CenterDepartment of Community Medicine, Federal Medical CenterDepartment of Paediatrics, Federal Medical CenterDepartment of Medicine, Federal Medical CenterAbstract Cholera is a disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is of public health significance especially in Sub- Saharan Africa where the disease is still endemic in many countries. The symptoms of cholera include acute watery diarrhea, fever, and vomiting which can lead to dehydration and subsequently death if left untreated. Reports from the World Health Organization in July 2024 found 6092 new cases across nine African countries. The cumulative African and Nigerian case fatality rate stands at 1.8% and 2.9% respectively which is above the acceptable 1% level. Nigeria experienced a fresh outbreak in June 2024 with new cases still being diagnosed as of writing despite many public health strategies put in place to prevent recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Nigeria’s public health strategies in controlling cholera outbreaks and assess the preparedness of the healthcare system in managing these crises. We summarised the epidemiology of the current outbreak and critically analyzed the response efforts, identifying both strengths and weaknesses. Challenges identified during the current outbreak include insufficient funding for cholera action plans, inadequate potable water and hygiene practices, open defecation, lack of trained personnel, and shortages of supplies and educational materials in affected communities. Strengthening community-based surveillance, building resilient healthcare infrastructure, and fostering cross-border collaboration are key to cholera preparedness. Prioritizing community engagement and education while continuously evaluating response plans is also essential.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00583-wCholeraCholera outbreak
spellingShingle Glory Olalekan Adebajo
Gbenga Joseph Alabi
Oreoluwa Christiana Oladele
Damilola Jeremiah Ayowole
Ifedolapo Temitope Ogedengbe
Samuel Oluwatimilehin Abati
Review of public health preparedness and response to cholera; lessons from Nigeria’s 2024 outbreak
Discover Public Health
Cholera
Cholera outbreak
title Review of public health preparedness and response to cholera; lessons from Nigeria’s 2024 outbreak
title_full Review of public health preparedness and response to cholera; lessons from Nigeria’s 2024 outbreak
title_fullStr Review of public health preparedness and response to cholera; lessons from Nigeria’s 2024 outbreak
title_full_unstemmed Review of public health preparedness and response to cholera; lessons from Nigeria’s 2024 outbreak
title_short Review of public health preparedness and response to cholera; lessons from Nigeria’s 2024 outbreak
title_sort review of public health preparedness and response to cholera lessons from nigeria s 2024 outbreak
topic Cholera
Cholera outbreak
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00583-w
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