The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to be vigilant and adopt improved sanitation and hygiene practices to combat the spread of cholera. This appeal follows a statement by the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, on Sunday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria as a “grade 3 public health emergency,” part of a global resurgence affecting 14 African countries. Salako expressed deep concern over the outbreak, which has resulted in numerous fatalities and impacted many communities.
According to 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—are Bayelsa, Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta, and Katsina.
To prevent further spread, Salako urged Nigerians to maintain cleanliness in their environments, properly dispose of waste, and ensure the use of clean and safe water. He advised boiling or treating water from questionable sources and cautioned against consuming locally prepared drinks unless their preparation is confirmed to be hygienic.
Key preventive measures include:
- Regular hand washing with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, before preparing food, and after eating.
- Avoiding open defecation and using clean, safe toilets.
- Thoroughly cooking food, keeping it covered, and consuming it hot.
- Exercising caution when eating in public places and washing fruits and vegetables with clean water before consumption.
- Seeking immediate medical attention if experiencing cholera symptoms.
Salako also called on local government officials to support Environmental Health Officers in enhancing community-led sanitation efforts to curb the disease’s spread. He emphasized the need for heightened awareness campaigns, particularly in places where food and drinks are sold.
The Federal Ministry of Environment remains committed to ensuring a clean and healthy environment, which is crucial in preventing cholera outbreaks and other sanitation-related diseases. Salako stressed that prevention is both better and cheaper than cure, urging all Nigerians to take these measures seriously.
The government extended condolences to families who have lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with all those affected by the outbreak.
