The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting health authorities in Zamfara with the necessary preparation for the implementation of the first Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaigns.  Similar activity and assistance will be provided to Katsina and Kebbi States.

With financial support from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, these vaccination campaigns will directly protect 808,795 inhabitants of the three states who are aged one year and above from cholera. The campaigns will be implemented in two rounds for each state (14-18 November 2018 for the 1st round) and (11-16 December 2018 for the 2nd round). The intervention will complement efforts from the Federal Government and States in responding to the ongoing cholera outbreak and facilitate the prevention and control of cholera in Nigeria in the long term.

Nigeria is experiencing its largest cholera outbreak in recent years with over 42,466 suspected cases including 830 deaths reported from 01 January to 29 October 2018 in 20 states. The numbers sharply contrast 18,243 suspected cases reported in the country over the last three years (2015- 2017).

“Every year, rainy season brings devastation to communities across Nigeria due to cholera,” said the Officer-in-Charge at WHO Country office, Dr Peter Clement. “Oral cholera vaccine is one of the strategies in our fight against this disease. By supporting this vaccine drive through the first round of vaccination campaigns in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi, WHO is demonstrating its commitment to work with partners such as GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, to support Nigeria in stopping cholera from claiming more lives in the country.”

For more information please visit https://www.afro.who.int