THE SUN
An fresh report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on state of communicable diseases in Nigeria has shown that about 1,056 lives were lost to cholera, Lassa fever and other communicable diseases in the last eight months.
The report predicted that the cases might rise due to recent floods and other natural occurrences in some parts of Nigeria.
A breakdown of the figure indicated that 216 people died of cholera, Lassa fever claimed 168 lives, 309 people died of diphtheria, Yellow fever claimed two lives, while Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) claimed 361 lives.
But, no death has been recorded so far from Mpox, even though 67 cases have been confirmed in 23 states and the FCT, amid plans to commence its vaccination in October.
The NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, highlighted that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is becoming a major health challenge in Nigeria, stressing that AMR pandemic has surpassed the big three challenges of malaria, HIV and tuberculosis (TB).
“For instance, 64,500 deaths were attributable to AMR, while 263,400 deaths were associated with AMR in the period under review.”
The NCDC boss, however, highlighted that major causes/drivers of AMR were poor levels of awareness among health workers, policy makers and the public; overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal health; unnecessary use of antibiotics; using antibiotics without a prescription; using too many antibiotics in farming; poor hygiene and sanitation in community, health facilities, farms, abattoirs as well as limited surveillance systems for tracking AMR trends.
He confirmed that NCDC was working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s response to these diseases is both strong and effective, working hand-in-hand with counterparts from human health, animal health and environmental sectors under the ‘One Health’ approach.
“Nevertheless, we have engaged in raising AMR awareness, education, understanding, and behavioural change among all relevant stakeholders, and also incorporate AMR education into health worker training programmes. Several programmes are in place to help doctors and nurses prescribe antibiotics only when necessary, reducing the chance of resistance developing,” he said.
Regarding other communicable diseases, the NCDC boss encouraged regular and adequate hygiene as well as other preventive measures to reduce the chances of contracting the diseases.
“To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly advise the public to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals in affected areas; avoid handling materials that have been in contact with infected animals; limit unnecessary physical contact with individuals who are infected; practice frequent hand-washing with soap and water; and ensure that animal food products are thoroughly cooked before eating. It’s also important to use protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals or their tissues.
“Similarly, health workers are advised to follow standard safety protocols, including droplet precautions when treating patients; use protective equipment, including masks, gloves and gowns, during patient care; and be vigilant for symptoms of Mpox, especially fever and rash, among other measures.”
The NCDC also informed the public that diphtheria is very deadly, and it spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes; through close contacts with, or by touching contaminated objects.
