In August 2017, a horrifying cholera outbreak struck Gubio, a town in Borno State, Nigeria, sending shockwaves through the lives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) trying to escape the clutches of Boko Haram. Muhammed Matthew vividly remembers the chaos and panic as the deadly disease wreaked havoc on his community. "It was a 'strange disease' that felt like it was coming for us," he recounted, gripped by fear for his family’s safety.

The Devastating Outbreak of 2017

The cholera epidemic spread rapidly, affecting not just Gubio but neighboring towns like Jere, Monguno, and Dikwa. Over 5,300 suspected cases were reported, with 61 lives lost. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) pointed to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions as key factors fueling the outbreak.

Intervention and Hope

In response, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, took action, delivering 915,000 doses of the oral cholera vaccine to Nigeria. Dr. Seth Berkley, then-CEO of Gavi, emphasized, "These lifesaving vaccines are essential for controlling the outbreak while we also work on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions."

A Turnaround in 2017

By September 2017, the vaccination campaign reached over 896,000 residents in areas hit hardest by the epidemic. Thanks to timely intervention, the outbreak was effectively contained by December, bringing relief to a community that had been living in fear.

Lessons Learned and Strengthened

Fast forward to 2024, and cholera made an unwelcome return to Borno State, this time with about 2,000 suspected cases, including three fatalities. But Gubio was prepared. Matthew ensured all his children were vaccinated, encouraging neighbors to do the same. "After all, we learned the hard way the importance of prevention," he said.

A Community Transformed

With years of educational campaigns, Gubio’s residents now implement crucial preventive measures: regular handwashing, proper sanitation, and rapid reporting of symptoms. Mohammed Abdulwahab from the Borno State Ministry of Health noted, "In 2017, awareness was low, but by 2024, many were vaccinated and proactive. It made a world of difference.”

Feeling Safe Again

Today, Gubio's residents like Adamu Garba no longer live in constant fear of cholera. "Thanks to the vaccines, we feel safe now," Garba shared, now more focused on hygiene and sanitation. Maryam Usman, another community member, expressed how peace of mind has replaced the dread that dominated her life during the 2017 outbreak.

Continued Vigilance Required

Health workers are still on the ground, spreading awareness about cholera prevention, emphasizing safe water and hygiene practices. Gubio aims to equip its residents to combat any future outbreaks effectively — the aim is to prevent the tragedy of the past from repeating itself.

A National Challenge

Despite gains in Gubio, Nigeria remains grappling with cholera outbreaks. A recent UNICEF report highlighted that Nigeria suffers from the second-highest cholera incidence in West and Central Africa, with thousands of cases reported yearly. Dr. Jide Idris from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control urged states to prioritize safe water access and sanitation facilities to combat this persistent threat.

Gubio stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, showcasing how community action, vaccination, and education have transformed fear into a proactive stance against cholera.