Japan Donates $1.7 Million in Medical Supplies to Boost Lagos Cholera Preparedness
LAGOS — 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 deadly 2024 outbreak. The official handover occurred at a ceremony held at the Lagos State Medical Store in Oshodi.
The donation is part of a broader $1.725 million cholera intervention by Japan in Nigeria, implemented through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ismail Abudus-Salam, Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, described the support as both timely and critical. He stated the supplies would significantly enhance the state’s capacity to manage cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases. Dr. Abudus-Salam noted that contaminated food and water were primary drivers of the 2024 outbreak, which saw Lagos account for over 20 per cent of Nigeria’s total cases. He confirmed the state has since intensified training and sensitization for food vendors, water suppliers, and waste handlers, especially in flood-prone communities.
He commended Japan for reinforcing public health efforts, calling the collaboration a growing and sustained partnership. “This partnership is not ending here; it is only beginning,” he said, highlighting the state government’s commitment to international cooperation.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, said the donation demonstrates Japan’s solidarity with Nigeria in preventing avoidable cholera-related deaths. He noted that Nigeria recorded more than 77,000 cholera cases across 31 states in 2024, making prevention in Lagos central to national disease control efforts.
Hazel Natukunda, Acting Head of Office for UNOPS Nigeria/West Africa, explained the project facilitated the procurement of essential medicines, diagnostic tools, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) materials, and personal protective equipment. “These items go beyond supplies; they are tools for preparedness and protection,” she said, emphasizing their role in enhancing surveillance, case management, and infection prevention.
Pharm. Olawale Poluyi, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, assured that the donated materials would be properly stored and transparently distributed to general hospitals and primary healthcare centres. Priority will be given to high-burden local government areas, including Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Lagos Mainland.
Health officials expressed confidence that sustained public education, improved sanitation, and strengthened partnerships will enable Lagos to detect outbreaks early, respond swiftly, and move toward zero cholera-related deaths. The donation marks a significant step in building resilient health systems in Nigeria’s largest city, where recurrent cholera outbreaks remain a critical public health challenge.
