The Federal Government has called on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and adopt good sanitation and hygiene practices to combat the spread of cholera. This call was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, who lamented the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) confirmation of the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria as part of a global resurgence, classifying it as a “grade 3 public health emergency.”
Dr. Salako expressed deep concern over the outbreak, which has tragically claimed many lives and affected numerous communities. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are 1,159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths across 30 states. The states most affected, contributing 90% of the total cases, include Bayelsa, Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta, and Katsina.
“To prevent the spread of cholera, we urge all Nigerians to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace, and take preventive measures such as keeping their environment clean and disposing of waste properly,” Salako stated.
He outlined specific preventive measures, including:
- Ensuring the use of clean and safe water by boiling or treating water from suspicious sources.
- Avoiding locally prepared drinks unless certain of their hygienic preparation.
- Washing hands regularly with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, before preparing food, and after playing with animals.
- Avoiding open defecation and using clean, safe toilets.
- Cooking food thoroughly, keeping it covered, and eating it hot.
- Washing fruits and vegetables with clean, safe water before eating.
- Seeking medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms of cholera.
Dr. Salako also urged all Commissioners of Environment and Local Government Chairmen to support Environmental Health Officers in enhancing community-led total sanitation. He emphasized the need for increased awareness campaigns, especially in places where food and drinks are sold, such as markets, schools, and restaurants. Additionally, sub-national governments were urged to strengthen environmental health surveillance in eating establishments.
The Minister assured the public of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s commitment to ensuring a clean and healthy environment, stating that preventing cholera is both better and cheaper than curing it. He extended condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with those affected by the outbreak.
