Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kano (Agenzia Fides) – Poor diagnostics and weak surveillance are hampering government efforts to stem cholera in Nigeria. The disease is most severe in the north; as of September 8, 781 people have died and 13,000 cases were reported. According to Nigeria's health minister, Katsina State in northern Nigeria had the highest number of cases - 3,310 infections and 175 deaths. Nigeria uses an Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response [IDSR] system, set up a decade ago to more effectively combat communicable diseases - such as yellow fever, meningitis and cholera - by training and equipping health staff to improve disease detection and response. But staff training has been slow to deliver, and most health centers still lack the necessary equipment to accurately diagnose cholera.
Despite the high prevalence of cholera, many health workers still do not think of cholera when patients come with diarrhoea and dehydration. Despite its prevalence, only a few private clinics and six teaching hospitals in northern cities – Zaria, Jos, Kano, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and Ilorin – have the microscopes that can diagnose cholera. Health systems need to be strengthened; adequate manpower, equipment, drugs and consumables should be provided. Surveillance systems, communication and transport should be improved ... Mechanisms for quick intervention should be put in place ... and messages to prevent cholera should be spread through health education. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 23/9/2010)
