Recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria: A review of the underlying factors and redress

Abstract

Cholera outbreaks remain a matter of public health since this outbreak of the epidemic is experienced almost every year. In June 2024, the African Region had registered 7964 new cases of cholera across 11 countries, and 1094 of them were from Nigeria. Although several advancements have been made towards reducing cholera outbreaks, its recurrence in 2024 highlights the challenges in its management. This study explores the underlying factors responsible for recurring cholera outbreaks in Nigeria and formulates practical recommendations for its prevention and control in the long term. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed, including studies that discussed cholera outbreaks, contributing factors, and control strategies, especially in Nigeria. The implications and challenges of recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria were also examined from the literature, and recommendations were given. The study identified some of the implications of these outbreaks on the country, including increased mortality rates, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant Vibrio cholerae strains, and socioeconomic implications. The major challenges hindering effective cholera management were found to be vaccination uptake, late diagnosis and management, unpreparedness of the healthcare system, environmental factors and lack of government will. Mitigating these drivers of recurring outbreaks in Nigeria is crucial to creating more targeted and more efficient prevention and control measures. Recommendations have been made to combat this menace and achieve long-term eradication in Nigeria, which include enhancing the infrastructure for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), expanding the reach of vaccinations, surveillance and rapid response systems and resolving socioeconomic and environmental factors.