The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to safe drinking water and promoting proper sanitation practices in communities vulnerable to cholera outbreaks.
The minister of water resources and sanitation Prof. Joseph Utsev stated this at the officially launched the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC) 2025–2029 in Abuja.
Prof Utsev said it is comprehensive operational plan developed through a multi-sectoral approach to eliminate cholera as a public health threat
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, described the NSPACC 2025–2029 as a major milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to eliminating cholera as a public health threat.
He emphasized that the NSPACC align with the GTFCC’s Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030, which was endorsed by the Cholera Resolution of the 71st World Health Assembly.
Prof Utsev underscored the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that Nigeria meets global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards, which are crucial to cholera prevention and control.
He urged all stakeholders—including government agencies, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and local communities—to take ownership of the plan and remain focused on its successful implementation.
Also, the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling the challenge posed by cholera.
She highlighted that eliminating cholera requires a multi-sectoral approach, with all stakeholders working in synergy to implement effective interventions.
Similarly, the Minister of Environment, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Kambari, described the launch of the action plan as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cholera and other infectious diseases.
He restated the Ministry’s commitment to a healthier and safer Nigeria, stressing that the collective efforts of all stakeholders will be instrumental in achieving this goal.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, represented by the Director of Planning and Statistics, Dr. Sikiru Badaru, highlighted that the NSPACC were developed through a multi-sectoral approach, emphasizing prevention rather than outbreak response.
He described the strategic focus as timely and essential in reducing annual cholera incidence and mortality.
According to him, the NSPACC incorporates robust surveillance systems, coordinated health and WASH interventions, and active community engagement, with a specific focus on cholera hotspot locations across the Country.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key development partners, including, the World Health Organization (WHO), GTFCC Secretariat, Country Support Platform, International Federation of the Red Cross, Results for Development (R4D) Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) respectively.
The launch event was attended by top Government functionaries, development partners, Civil Society Organizations, and key stakeholders committed to cholera control and public health improvement in Nigeria.
