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Nigerian Scientists Develop Easy-To-Use Cholera Test To Prevent Outbreaks
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
As Nigeria battles with a cholera outbreak, the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is making strides in the fight against cholera with the development of a new, easy-to-use diagnostic tool.
Cholera, a serious diarrhoeal illness caused by contaminated water and poor hygiene, can spread rapidly and experts say early detection is crucial to prevent outbreaks
Disclosing this in an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Lagos, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Professor Babatunde Salako explained that the point-of-care test will allow for the rapid detection of cholera in body fluids and water, helping to prevent outbreaks before they can take hold.
“The first thing that we are doing is to support surveillance. We are currently creating a point-of-care instrument to diagnose cholera using body fluids and also water. We chose that because disease detection is the shortest way of preventing epidemics. If you can do surveillance, you can check if cholera is anywhere and you can be pick up a case.
“Once you pick the first case, you will be able to sort the rest out. Often what happens is that the disease would have spread before the first case is diagnosed and is it either because where it started, there were no diagnostic kits for them to use. Or maybe because it’s costly.
“Maybe because it’s not being produced in the country. All sorts of reasons. But we are doing one that is going to be country-made. It is going to be cheaper, available and it will be like the dipstick.”
Salako who explained that the NIMR’s dipstick test is currently in its final stages of development, added that it will be a game-changer for diagnosing cholera, especially in remote areas where traditional diagnostic kits are unavailable or expensive.
“The test is nearly 80 per cent complete and will be cheap, easy to use, and readily available at home and in healthcare clinics. This is a significant development, as traditional diagnostic kits are often expensive or unavailable in many areas.”
He said the dipstick test is just one part of NIMR’s comprehensive approach to cholera prevention, disclosing further that, the institute is also conducting wastewater surveillance in canals around hospitals in Lagos.
He said it will help to identify potential outbreaks early on, as hospital waste can contaminate floodwater and drinking supplies.
“Hospitals’ effluent wastes will come out and mix up with the flood. So that’s why cholera comes up when you have rain with flood everywhere and mix with drinkable water. In all of these, you have to spend money.”
He said research was essential for preventing outbreaks, adding that while the return on investment in research may not be immediate, it is crucial for the long-term health of the nation.
“One of the reasons why maybe some governments may not want to fund research is that the return on investment in research takes a long time. And politicians want something they can do to bring votes tomorrow or at the next election. Scientists don’t have that time of abracadabra. That’s not to say that no research can bring short-term solutions that you can showcase. But major ones that are going to be contributing to the economy of the nation, the health workforce capacity and all of that might take some time.”
Researchers argue that health research is the driving force behind a nation’s progress, even more so than advancements in engineering or education. This is because healthy citizens form the foundation of a thriving workforce and a strong economy.
Continuing, Salako who noted that health research finds solutions to people’s problems, said: “A healthy population leads to a more vibrant workforce, which in turn translates to a higher GDP and better overall economic performance.”
“Beyond direct health benefits, health research fosters innovation and product development. These discoveries can lead to the creation of startup companies that employ people, generate economic wealth, and produce life-saving products.
“The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a prime example. Before the vaccine’s development, the global economy suffered tremendously due to lockdowns and travel restrictions.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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