The WHO has raised alarms about substantial data gaps in cholera reporting, noting that Nigeria recorded 1,562 cases between January and May 2025. Despite the figures, underreporting and delays hinder accurate understanding of the outbreak’s severity. Public health experts emphasize the need for better surveillance and response systems to combat recurrent cholera outbreaks effectively.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently expressed alarm regarding the considerable lapses in cholera surveillance and reporting, particularly in Nigeria. As the country struggles with an escalating number of suspected cholera cases amid a worldwide increase, the need for precise data has become essential. From January 1 to May 25, 2025, Nigeria documented 1,562 cholera cases, contributing to 117,346 cases reported across 17 countries in the WHO African Region.
This data comes from WHO and was made available to our correspondent on Friday. However, the WHO emphasized that these numbers may not adequately reflect the true scope of the outbreak. Factors contributing to this include underreporting, delays in submitting data, and a lack of diagnostic capabilities in some areas. A cautionary note was sounded: “The data presented here should be interpreted cautiously due to potential underreporting and reporting delays.”
WHO further stated, “This may affect the timeliness of reports, and thus, the presented figures might not accurately represent the true burden of cholera.” The diversity in surveillance systems, case definitions, and laboratory capabilities across countries complicates comparisons of cholera statistics. The global case fatality rate also requires careful analysis, being influenced heavily by how surveillance is conducted.
From January 1 to May 25, 2025, 211,678 cholera cases and 2,754 fatalities were logged across 26 countries, with the African Region experiencing the highest numbers. Following it in severity were the Eastern Mediterranean Region and South-East Asia Region concerning the number of detected cases and deaths. In May alone, the average stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccine stood at 5.7 million doses, marking the sixth consecutive month above the emergency stockpile threshold of five million doses.
The WHO’s global epidemiological update revealed that cholera and acute watery diarrhea cases surged by 35 percent in May. The African Region was responsible for nearly half of the 52,589 new cases reported worldwide. Nigeria is particularly vulnerable, facing recurrent cholera outbreaks, especially during the rainy season. This is largely a result of inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, especially evident in rural regions and conflict-affected areas.
Experts have cautioned that without enhancing surveillance and response frameworks, Nigeria might encounter larger outbreaks and increased mortality rates. This year’s projections indicated that cholera-related fatalities were most prevalent in the African Region, nearing 2,447 deaths, with Nigeria contributing a toll of 48 lives lost. WHO underscored the urgent need for investments focused on prevention strategies, timely detection, and access to treatment options to combat this pressing health issue.
In summary, the WHO’s report highlights significant cholera data gaps in Nigeria amid rising case numbers. As the public health community grapples with underreporting and surveillance challenges, the urgency for enhanced infrastructure and response strategies becomes clear. With cholera deaths concentrated in the African Region, it is imperative that investments in prevention and detection measures are prioritized to avert further outbreaks and medical crises.
Original Source: punchng.com
