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Review
. 2025 May 28:2025:8898076.
doi: 10.1155/ghe3/8898076. eCollection 2025.

Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria: History, Review of Socioeconomic and Meteorological Drivers, Diagnostic Challenges, and Artificial Intelligence Integration

Adewunmi Akingbola  1 , Adegbesan Abiodun  2 , Olajide Ojo  3 , Otumara Urowoli Jessica  4 , Uthman Hassan Alao  5 , Abdullah Omolayo Owolabi  6 , Joel Chuku  7
Affiliations
Review

Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria: History, Review of Socioeconomic and Meteorological Drivers, Diagnostic Challenges, and Artificial Intelligence Integration

Adewunmi Akingbola et al. Glob Health Epidemiol Genom. .

Abstract

Cholera continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, driven by socioeconomic disparities, poor sanitation, and environmental factors such as recurrent flooding. This narrative review examines cholera outbreaks in Nigeria, exploring epidemiological trends, socioeconomic and meteorological drivers, and advancements in diagnostic technologies. Emphasis is placed on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming cholera management through predictive modeling, early detection, and resource optimization. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), molecular diagnostics, and biosensors are highlighted as tools for enhancing surveillance and improving outbreak response. Despite these advancements, Nigeria faces significant challenges, including inadequate laboratory infrastructure, insufficient environmental monitoring, and limited access to diagnostic tools in rural areas. Recommendations include strengthening diagnostic capacity, integrating AI-driven tools, and implementing proactive environmental surveillance. The manuscript underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among federal and state health agencies, international partners, and local communities to address the persistent cholera burden. By leveraging these strategies, Nigeria can improve its outbreak preparedness and mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with cholera. This review provides actionable insights for public health interventions and policy-making, offering a forward-looking perspective on combating cholera through innovation and collaboration.

Keywords: Nigeria; cholera; diagnostics; environmental surveillance; public health interventions; socioeconomic drivers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
National epidemic curve of weekly reported cholera suspected cases, Week 1–39, 2024 [17]. Source: National Center for Disease Control (NCDC).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Map of Nigeria showing states RDT + Culture and suspected cases, Week 1–39, 2024 [17]. Source: National Center for Disease Control (NCDC).
Figure 3
Figure 3
The different socioeconomic and meteorological drivers. Source: National Center for Disease Control (NCDC).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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