Firm advocates use of WHO-approved cholera vaccine to curb outbreaks

Cochrane Nigeria, an international, independent not-for-profit organisation, has recommended the use of World Health Organization (WHO)-approved cholera vaccines as part of efforts to combat the disease in Nigeria.

According to the organization, international best practices show that administering two doses of the whole-cell plus cholera recombinant vaccine with or without a booster can protect individuals for up to two years. It further explained that two doses of the bivalent whole-cell vaccine have been proven to remain effective for as long as five years.

The recommendation was made during media roundtable held yesterday at the Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention in Calabar where the Director of Cochrane Nigeria, Professor Angela Oyo-Ita, identified lack of access to clean water and low public awareness as the main drivers of recurrent outbreaks.

Speaking at the event, Prof Oyo-Ita, emphasized that WHO-recommended cholera vaccines are not only effective but in many cases demonstrate stronger potency in killing the cholera bacteria.

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She called on the media to play a leading role in raising public awareness about cholera prevention and treatment, stressing that better advocacy is crucial to ending the recurring outbreaks in Cross River State and across the country.

Professor Oyo-Ita also expressed concern that cholera—an avoidable disease with well-researched and proven preventive measures continues to claim lives in many communities due to low awareness and poor enlightenment.

Delivering a lecture titled “An Overview of Cholera,” a pediatric gastroenterologist at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ekong Udoh, said cholera is endemic in Nigeria, with outbreaks occurring regularly, especially in the northern region.

According to him, between 2021 and 2024, Nigeria recorded over 140,000 suspected cases and 4,364 deaths. In 2024 alone, there were 4,809 suspected cases and 156 deaths.

Udoh explained that the disease is spread through contaminated water sources and poor hygiene practices, noting that climate change and flooding are worsening the situation by contaminating drinking water supplies.

He described cholera symptoms as including acute watery diarrhoea, intense thirst, muscle cramps, and severe dehydration, which can lead to kidney failure, coma, and even death if untreated. Alarmingly, about 75 percent of infected people show no symptoms but continue to spread the bacteria for up to two weeks.

While stressing that clean water and sanitation remain the most effective long-term solutions, Dr. Udoh highlighted the role of vaccination in controlling outbreaks. He said the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) as part of a comprehensive strategy, particularly in endemic regions and during emergencies.

“Vaccines are not a replacement for clean water and sanitation, but they are an important line of defence. In places where cholera is common, or during outbreaks, mass vaccination campaigns should be carried out to protect vulnerable populations,” he said.

He called for a multi-sectoral response that includes provision of clean water, improved sanitation, proper food handling, personal hygiene, and boiling water before drinking.

Both speakers underscored the need for stronger political will and sustained public health education to curb cholera’s spread in Nigeria