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Sanwo-Olu Addresses Cholera Crisis, Calls for Efforts to Combat Outbreaks

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1 month ago

Apr 9, 2025.

Sanwo-Olu Addresses Cholera Crisis, Calls for Efforts to Combat Outbreaks

Sanwo-olu emphasized that several factors contribute to the recurring cholera outbreaks.
He reveals that 58 individuals lost their lives to the Cholera between January and July 2024.
He commended the General Manager and the entire team at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency

On Tuesday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu addressed the pressing issue of cholera, revealing that 58 individuals lost their lives to the disease between January and July 2024.

He emphasized that tackling cholera requires not only government intervention but also the active involvement of all stakeholders.

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During the inauguration ceremony and inception meeting for an emergency capacity-building project aimed at combating cholera outbreaks among informal food and water vendors and waste workers in flood-affected areas of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu commended the Japanese government for funding the initiative.

He acknowledged that cholera remains a recurrent health crisis in Nigeria, with outbreaks occurring almost annually.

Represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the governor said: “The situation reflects broader global challenges such as climate change, displacement due to conflicts, and rapid urbanization without adequate infrastructure development.

“In 2021 alone, Nigeria recorded over 100,000 suspected cholera cases and more than 3,500 deaths across 32 states—a stark reminder of the urgency required to address this issue.

“Lagos State, Nigeria’s largest urban center with a population exceeding 23 million (50.6% female), faces unique vulnerabilities due to rapid urbanization, poor water and sanitation infrastructure, and frequent flooding.

Sanwo-Olu Addresses Cholera Crisis, Calls for Efforts to Combat Outbreaks

In June 2024, heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding in areas such as Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas—triggering a cholera outbreak that resulted in over 1,661 suspected cases, 70 confirmed cases, and 58 deaths by July. This was the largest cholera outbreak in Nigeria in 2024.”

The governor added that the initiative is a timely and critical intervention aimed at strengthening the emergency capacity of informal food and water vendors, as well as waste workers, in flood-affected areas of Lagos State.

“These individuals are frontline providers of essential services, yet they remain disproportionately vulnerable to cholera outbreaks due to their constant exposure to contaminated environments.

“I commend the General Manager and the entire team at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), alongside our esteemed partners at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), for championing this laudable project.

“I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Japan for their invaluable support in advancing public health in Lagos. This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnerships in addressing pressing health challenges.”

Sanwo-olu emphasized that several factors contribute to the recurring cholera outbreaks in the region.