In a critical effort to address the escalating cholera outbreak in Lagos State and bolster future public health resilience, the Government of Japan has committed $1 million to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for an emergency intervention.
This strategic partnership aims to curb the spread of cholera, enhance preparedness, and save lives in affected communities. Nigeria continues to confront recurring cholera outbreaks, with the past year alone witnessing over 77,000 suspected cases reported across 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This resulted in a tragic 359 fatalities, indicating a 4.5 per cent case fatality rate. Lagos State, a densely populated urban centre, accounted for over 20 per cent of the nationwide caseload, underscoring its particular vulnerability to infectious disease transmission.
The persistence of cholera in Nigeria is largely attributable to systemic challenges, including inadequate sanitation, limited access to clean water, poor hygiene practices, and weak infrastructure. These vulnerabilities are frequently compounded by natural disasters and climate-related events, exacerbating conditions conducive to rapid disease spread.
Ambassador-designate of Japan to Nigeria, SUZUKI Hideo, stated: “Lagos State is at the forefront of this public health battle. The Government of Japan supports Lagos State in responding to the cholera outbreak in the most affected communities by procuring essential medical supplies in partnership with UNOPS, because improving nutrition and sanitation is a priority of our Country Development Cooperation Policy for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to enhancing sanitation, ensuring access to clean water, and ultimately safeguarding the lives of Nigerians, including those in Lagos.”
Meanwhile, recognising the urgent imperative for proactive measures, the Government of Japan has pledged its support through the initiative titled “Emergency Support for Cholera Response and Preparedness in Lagos, Nigeria.”
Launched in March 2025, this 12-month project is designed to significantly strengthen local capacities, enhance community awareness, and improve early response mechanisms to prevent future outbreaks from escalating.
Under this vital initiative, UNOPS will collaborate closely with relevant national and local authorities to facilitate the procurement, delivery, and distribution of essential medical supplies, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) materials, personal protective equipment (PPE), and diagnostic tools critical for effective cholera outbreak management.
