Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued partnership and recent donation of cholera kits aimed at strengthening preparedness and response efforts across the country.
The cholera kits—procured and delivered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) using a US$500,000 grant from Japan—have been officially handed over to the Nigerian Government. They are now being distributed to high-risk states and areas with ongoing outbreaks to ensure prompt detection and effective management of cholera cases.
Strengthening National Preparedness and Response
Since the grant’s receipt on 1 March 2025, the support has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cholera outbreaks through three key interventions:
1. Provision of Cholera Kits
- US$104,951 worth of critical response supplies have been procured to strengthen case management ahead of expected transmission peaks.
- Strategic prepositioning of contingency stock has ensured uninterrupted clinical services and saved lives.
- The final batch of supplies has now been formally handed over to the Federal Government.
2. Training for Frontline Responders
- A National Training of Trainers (ToT) on cholera preparedness and response has equipped 176 trainers across all six geopolitical zones with expertise in coordination, surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, IPC, case management, and risk communication.
- This knowledge is being cascaded to frontline responders in the 134 Priority Areas for Multisectoral Interventions (PAMIs) in partnership with state ministries of health and NGOs.
3. Enhanced Surveillance and Coordination
- Support has strengthened surveillance systems and improved coordination between national and subnational health authorities.
- Community-based surveillance training has been conducted in LGAs across seven high-risk states, improving early case detection and reporting for rapid response.
Cholera Situation in Nigeria
As of 2 November 2025, Nigeria has recorded more than 22,196 suspected cholera cases and 505 associated deaths—a high yearly burden that continues to challenge progress toward the global goal of eliminating cholera by 2030. The North-West and North-East regions remain the most affected, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance.
Partner Perspectives
Dr. Olajide Idris, Director General, NCDC:
“This support from the Government of Japan through WHO came at a critical time. It has enabled us to strengthen surveillance, improve laboratory diagnosis, and support states in responding more effectively to outbreaks.”
Mr. Suzuki Hideo, Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria:
“Japan is proud to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat cholera and other infectious diseases. Through our partnership with WHO, we are contributing to stronger health systems and progress toward Universal Health Coverage.”
Dr. Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria:
“This partnership is saving lives. The cholera kits and training have enhanced Nigeria’s readiness to respond to outbreaks. WHO remains committed to supporting the country in reducing cholera-related deaths to below one per cent.”
Contents of the Cholera Kits
Each central cholera kit—divided into 29 modules containing medicines, supplies, equipment, and logistics materials—is designed to support treatment across various healthcare levels in areas with limited access.
Along with additional medical commodities such as Oral Rehydration Solutions procured through the Japan Government Grant, each central and peripheral kit can treat up to 100 cholera cases during the initial weeks of an outbreak. These kits strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for timely, effective response, aiding health workers in reducing mortality and preventing spread.
Call to Action
Reaffirming their shared commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, the Government of Nigeria, the Government of Japan, and WHO urge states, health workers, and communities to reinforce preventive measures—such as hand hygiene, use of safe water, and proper sanitation—to curb the spread of cholera. Continued multisectoral collaboration remains essential to protecting communities and improving national health security.
