In a bid to combat the alarming rise of cholera cases in Nigeria, Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has announced plans to engage political figures as champions for cholera control in the country.

Adetifa made this statement during a cholera plan review workshop, which brought together various ministries, agencies, and partners.

Expressing concern over the current state of cholera in Nigeria, Adetifa emphasized the need to change the narrative surrounding the disease.

He highlighted the workshop as an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress, identify gaps, and set targets for cholera control.

Adetifa also stressed the multi-sectoral nature of the issue, involving ministries of environment, water resources, and security.

To gain political support, Adetifa mentioned the potential involvement of the first lady or vice president as champions for cholera control, along with closer collaboration with the Nigerian governors’ forum and the World Health Organization.

The NCDC’s data as of April 30 reported over 1,600 suspected cholera cases and 48 deaths in Nigeria.