Japan Delivers Emergency Supplies to Strengthen Lagos Cholera Preparedness
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Government of Japan has donated emergency medical supplies valued at approximately $1.7 million to the Lagos State Government to strengthen cholera preparedness and prevent a recurrence of the devastating 2024 outbreak that claimed dozens of lives across the state.
The supplies were officially handed over on Friday during a Project Handover Ceremony for Emergency Support on Cholera Response and Preparedness held at the Lagos State Medical Store in Oshodi.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abudus-Salam, described the intervention as timely, noting that it would significantly enhance the state’s ability to manage cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases.
“This partnership is not ending here; it is only beginning,” he said, commending Japan for reinforcing Lagos’ emergency response capacity and supporting ongoing training and sensitisation of food vendors, water suppliers and waste handlers in flood-prone communities.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, said the donation underscores Japan’s solidarity with Nigeria in preventing avoidable cholera deaths, disclosing that the country is supporting three cholera-focused interventions through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the World Health Organization and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, with a combined contribution of about $1.725 million.
According to him, Nigeria recorded more than 77,000 cholera cases across 31 states in 2024, with Lagos accounting for over 20 per cent of infections, making prevention efforts in the state critical to national disease control.
Also speaking, Acting Head of Office, Nigeria/West Africa, UNOPS, Hazel Natukunda, said the project enabled the procurement of essential medicines, diagnostic tools, water, sanitation and hygiene materials as well as personal protective equipment to strengthen surveillance and infection prevention. “These items go beyond supplies; they are tools for preparedness and protection,” she said.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 
Mirian Gom 
Oluwafunbi Bello