Tinubu Directs Establishment of Cabinet Committee for Cholera Emergency Response

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the formation of a cabinet committee to supervise the emergency operations center led by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in addressing the cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, informed State House correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday that Tinubu approved the committee’s creation during the federal executive council (FEC) meeting.

The NCDC activated a national cholera multi-sectoral emergency operations center on Monday.

Cholera, a disease caused by the ingestion of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae through contaminated food and water, is currently affecting Lagos and several other states.

Pate explained that the committee would include members from the ministries of health, finance, water resources, environment, youth, aviation, and education.

He emphasized that the committee’s efforts would support state governments in reducing open defecation, noting that cholera is a developmental issue that requires a multi-sectoral approach.

“The president directed that a cabinet committee be set up to oversee the emergency operation center led by NCDC and ensure the necessary resources are provided, with support from state governments,” Pate said.

“Currently, about 31 states have reported 1,528 cases and 53 deaths in Nigeria, which the emergency operations center activated by the NCDC on Monday is addressing.

“We are in the midst of the 7th global cholera pandemic, with almost 500,000 cases worldwide, indicating that the issue is not unique to Nigeria.

“In 2023, nearly 700,000 cholera cases were reported by the World Health Organisation. This year, over 200,000 cases have been recorded across five regions globally.”