The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC) 2025–2029, a comprehensive blueprint aimed at eliminating cholera as a public health threat.
Developed through a multi-sectoral approach, the NSPACC aligns with the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) and its Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030, which targets a 90% reduction in global cholera deaths and the elimination of the disease in at least 20 countries, including Nigeria.
Landmark Initiative for Public Health
The historic launch, held today at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was organized by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Environment, Water Resources & Sanitation, Health & Social Welfare, and the GTFCC.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, described the NSPACC 2025–2029 as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cholera.
He emphasized that the plan aligns with the GTFCC’s Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030, which was endorsed by the 71st World Health Assembly, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards—a crucial component in cholera prevention and control.
Government’s Commitment to Eradicating Cholera
Prof. Utsev reiterated the government’s dedication to improving access to safe drinking water and promoting proper sanitation practices in communities vulnerable to cholera outbreaks. He urged all stakeholders—including government agencies, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and local communities—to take ownership of the plan and ensure its successful implementation.
Speaking on, the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, mni, underscored the need for collaboration in tackling cholera.
He stressed that eliminating the disease requires a multi-sectoral approach, with all stakeholders working in synergy to implement effective interventions.
The Honourable Minister of Environment, represented by Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari, also highlighted the significance of the action plan, stating that it marks a crucial step in Nigeria’s fight against cholera and other infectious diseases.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment , Mahmud Kambari represented the Honourable Minister of Environment , at the launch of the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring a healthier and safer Nigeria through sustained environmental and public health initiatives.
Strategic Focus on Prevention and Surveillance
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, represented by Director of Planning and Statistics, Dr. Sikiru Badaru, emphasized that the NSPACC prioritizes prevention over reactive outbreak response.
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He noted that the plan incorporates:
✔ Robust surveillance systems to detect and respond to cholera cases efficiently.
✔ Coordinated health and WASH interventions to address root causes.
✔ Active community engagement, focusing on identified cholera hotspot locations across Nigeria.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), GTFCC Secretariat, Country Support Platform, International Federation of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and Results for Development (R4D).
The launch event was attended by top government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and key stakeholders, all united in their commitment to cholera control and public health improvement in Nigeria.
