Yola, 10 July 2018 – Today, the first round of the 2-phase oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign kicks-off in high-risk wards of Mubi North, Mubi South and Maiha local government areas (LGAs) of Adamawa. The vaccination campaign, to be implemented from 10 to 14 July 2018, is also the first ever cholera vaccination exercise in the state, following the release of 750,000 doses of OCV by International Coordinating Group (ICG).

The initial batch of 378 815 doses of the vaccine has already  been delivered to Nigeria for the first round of the campaign while vaccines for the second round will be released based on successful implementation and report of the first round. 

“Since the confirmation of cholera outbreak in parts of Mubi North and Mubi South LGAs of Adamawa state on 12 May 2018, a swift outbreak response, including active house-to-house case search, case management and WASH activities are being implemented to ensure the outbreak is controlled timely, said Dr Fatima Abubakar, Adamawa state Commissioner for Health. She added, “Although more than 1,500 cases have been reported including 25 deaths, transmission is limited to few areas of the affected LGAs. An oral cholera vaccination campaign at this point will help to stem the tide of transmission in the remaining hot spots.”

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera and remains a global threat to public health.

“As part of its health emergencies response strategy, WHO is leading other health partners to support the health authorities control the ongoing cholera outbreak in Adamawa state, Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Nigeria said.

He noted that “Although, new cases are still being reported through the WHO-led active house-to-house search, it is hoped that the  cholera vaccination campaign will help to reduce transmission in the remaining areas of Maiha, Mubi North and Mubi South LGAs.”

Presently, with funding support from GAVI Alliance, WHO is providing technical support to the health authorities at the state, LGA and communities levels to ensure quality implementation of the vaccination exercise. Preparatory for the campaign, WHO in collaboration with Adamawa state Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and partners, developed micro plans for the campaign, trained and engaged more than 2,200 personnel including 303 vaccination teams, 275 supervisors, recorders and community engagers respectively.

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