Juliet Buna
Nigeria has been grappling with a cholera outbreak that has claimed at least 4,364 lives out of 139,730 suspected cases between 2021 and 2024.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC has issued an alert due to the escalating trend of cholera cases across the country, particularly with the onset of the rainy season.
According to the NCDC, Lagos State is at the centre of a significant cholera outbreak in Nigeria. NCDC also reported that Oyo state is amongst the states that have recorded suspected cases. As part of measures to curb cholera diseases in the state, the Oyo State government on June 5, 2024 announced the activation of the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, along Lalupon Road in Ibadan.
The State’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, in a statement through the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade stated that 14 suspected cases of cholera have been reported in the state, but none have been confirmed positive for the disease. The commissioner also highlighted the activities implemented by the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC), including the activation of the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo.
The statement reads in part, “As at epi week 26, a total of fourteen (14) suspected cases of cholera have been reported.
“Appropriate samples were taken for confirmation and came out as negative. I can confidently tell you that as of today, there is no positive case of cholera disease in Oyo State.”
“The Commissioner also highlighted the activities that have been implemented by the Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC), which includes, activation of the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo – to effectively manage any possible cholera cases, inauguration of Multisectoral Cholera Technical Working Group (TWG),distribution of Cholera RDT kits to UCH and PHCs in the state; media engagement to raise public awareness on BCOS, NTA, TVC and other media houses, airing of audio jingles on cholera prevention in media houses and various social media platforms.Others include distribution of IEC materials to various social media platforms,roadshow and awareness creation in collaboration with Red Cross Society of Nigeria in major markets in Ibadan Metropolis as well as development and dissemination of cholera messages to the public and market places.”
Is the centre truly active as claimed?
To verify the government’s claim, News Verifier Africa visited the Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo. However, the fact-checker observed that the centre was overgrown with grass and had an unkempt appearance, suggesting a lack of maintenance and activity, unlike a usual working environment.
After attempts to gain entry, a young security guard finally attended to us at the gate and when asked about the facility being operational, he stated that the facility was not operational. When asked further if there had been any visits from state government officials to revive the center, he denied any such activity.
“No one is here, No one is here to attend to you. Go to a nearest hospital,” he said.
Meanwhile, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Iyabo Kareem, in a telephone interview clarified that the term “activation” of the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, refers to the facility’s readiness to respond to cases when they arise.
Dr. Kareem revealed that the centre had indeed attended to cases approximately two weeks prior, demonstrating its readiness to handle cholera cases as needed.
She said, “They are confirming, we don’t have any confirmed state in Oyo state yet. We are between Ogun and Lagos that have confirmed cases. We have a technical working group as part of our preparedness. Two weeks ago we managed three patients there. When we have victims we call them to work. Activation is that those who treat them can be called upon and they will respond immediately. Although the arrangement is that we are supposed to have one or two of those workers there, when we have cases they are called upon and they respond.”
CONCLUSION
While the health centre is not actively operational, it is available to respond when cases are reported. The claim is PARTIALLY TRUE.
