The Federal Ministry of Environment has expressed deep concern over the cholera outbreak in several Nigerian states, which has claimed lives and affected many communities. In response to the outbreak of the disease, Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced that the ministry has taken immediate steps to halt further transmission of the disease.
These measures, according to Salako, include provision of water and food testing to identify sources of infection, environmental sanitation campaigns, and household water chlorination. According to a recent situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there have been 1,159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths across 30 states. The most affected states contributing 90% of the total cases include Bayelsa, Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta, and Katsina.
“Arrangements are also being made to support states most affected by the outbreak with chlorine solution/tablets, water and food testing resources, IEC materials, and technical advisory,” the minister said in a statement on Sunday. The Ministry of Environment has initiated a nationwide sensitisation campaign on cholera prevention and control measures to prevent further spread. This campaign aims to strengthen collaboration with health authorities and other stakeholders in line with the Federal Government’s one health approach.
Cholera, driven by poor sanitation and hygiene, is an acute diarrhea.
