The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC) 2025–2029, a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at eliminating cholera as a public health threat.

The plan, launched in Abuja by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Environment, Water Resources & Sanitation, and Health & Social Welfare, aligns with the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) roadmap to eliminate the disease in at least 20 countries, including Nigeria, by 2030.

A Milestone in Cholera Control

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, represented by Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah, described the NSPACC as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cholera.

“This plan underscores our commitment to meeting global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards, which are crucial for cholera prevention and control,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly in communities prone to cholera outbreaks.

Health and Environment Ministries Pledge Support

Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, stressed that eliminating cholera requires a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach.

Similarly, Minister of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, noted that the NSPACC launch represents a critical step in Nigeria’s broader fight against infectious diseases, pledging the Ministry’s support for nationwide implementation.

NCDC’s Commitment to Prevention

In his address, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, represented by Dr. Sikiru Badaru, highlighted that the NSPACC focuses on prevention rather than reactive outbreak response.

“This strategy incorporates robust surveillance systems, coordinated health and WASH interventions, and active community engagement, particularly in cholera hotspot locations,” he stated.

Stakeholders Urged to Drive Implementation

Government agencies, development partners, civil society, and private sector players have been called upon to take ownership of the plan and ensure its success.

With the NSPACC in place, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in reducing cholera incidence and mortality, improving public health, and achieving its global health targets by 2030.