Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria- Nigeria’s fight against cholera has received a major boost following the donation of essential cholera kits funded by the Government of Japan and delivered through the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed that the supplies will enhance outbreak preparedness and support states experiencing active transmission.
The consignment, procured with a US$500,000 Japanese grant, was handed over earlier in November. WHO allocated US$104,951 of the funds to procure critical response materials, which have now been pre-positioned across strategic locations to ensure uninterrupted clinical services during peak transmission.
The support package centres on three areas: provision of cholera kits, training of frontline responders and strengthened surveillance. A nationwide Training of Trainers prepared 176 experts across all six geopolitical zones in surveillance, diagnostics, infection prevention and control, case management and risk communication. These trainers have since cascaded the knowledge to health workers in 134 Priority Areas for Multisectoral Interventions (PAMIs).
Enhanced surveillance has also improved early case detection in seven high-risk states, enabling faster response at community and state levels.
Nigeria continues to battle a persistent cholera burden. As of 2 November 2025, over 22,196 suspected cases and 505 deaths had been recorded, with the North-West and North-East worst affected.
NCDC Director General Dr Olajide Idris said Japan’s support arrived “at a critical time,” strengthening diagnosis, surveillance and state-level response.
Japan’s Ambassador Suzuki Hideo said the partnership reflects his country’s commitment to stronger health systems.
WHO Representative Dr Pavel Ursu described the collaboration as “saving lives,” adding that the kits can manage up to 100 patients during initial outbreak weeks.
WHO urged Nigerians to sustain hygiene and sanitation practices to reduce transmission risks.
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