The recent cholera outbreak in Nigeria has sparked concerns, particularly in Lagos and several other states. The National Biosafety Management Agency has urged the public to exercise extreme caution amidst reports of 30 fatalities and 1,141 suspected cases.
Enhanced hygiene measures are crucial at this time, alongside concerted government efforts to aid those affected.
The outbreak has affected Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos, raising fears of potential further spread.
With the upcoming Salah celebrations, it is imperative for Nigerians to grasp the seriousness of the situation and implement immediate preventive actions to safeguard themselves and their families.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated food and water in unsanitary conditions. Symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration necessitate prompt medical attention to prevent fatalities.
While cholera has been eradicated in more developed regions for over a century, it remains a periodic challenge in Nigeria, largely due to poverty and inadequate hygiene practices, according to the Global Task Force on Cholera Control.
The World Health Organisation reported cholera outbreaks in 23 countries across Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean in 2021, a number that rose to 29 countries in 2022.
In response, the NBMA, working closely with health authorities, is actively monitoring and implementing measures to contain the spread of the disease. Director-General Agnes Asagbra stressed the importance of individual and community actions in combating the outbreak.
Nigerians are urged to ensure all drinking water is boiled or purified using approved methods. Maintaining proper hand hygiene is critical: hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet to reduce infection risks.
Additionally, food should be cooked thoroughly and consumed hot, while raw foods like fruits and vegetables should only be consumed if they can be peeled or washed with safe water. It is advisable to avoid fruits that cannot be peeled at this time.
Maintaining clean environments and proper waste disposal are crucial in preventing contamination and combating cholera outbreaks.
While individual efforts are vital, effective government intervention is equally essential. State governors, health commissioners, and relevant authorities must establish robust health surveillance systems to promptly detect and respond to outbreaks. Public awareness campaigns should intensify to educate citizens on cholera prevention and the significance of hygiene practices.
Governments must ensure all communities access clean, safe drinking water by establishing emergency purification stations in affected areas and improving existing water infrastructure. Continuous water provision throughout the year is imperative.
Healthcare facilities need adequate supplies and trained personnel to manage cholera cases, including rehydration solutions and antibiotics. Collaboration with international health organisations can offer additional resources and expertise to effectively contain outbreaks.
Health commissioners must act proactively to prevent fatalities, implementing timely interventions and maintaining transparent communication with the public. There should be zero tolerance for open defecation, a significant contributor to cholera outbreaks.
Governments must enforce regulations against public defecation, provide secure public toilet facilities with running water, and ensure their maintenance.
The recent cholera outbreak in Lagos underscores the urgent need for collective action and responsibility in safeguarding public health across Nigeria. By adhering to hygiene protocols and implementing comprehensive preventive measures, we can protect communities and overcome this challenge together.
The cholera outbreak constitutes a public health emergency demanding urgent and thorough intervention. Nigeria can mitigate further losses by promoting hygiene practices, ensuring access to clean water, and sustaining a vigilant health surveillance system.
It is important that Nigerians heed the NBMA’s warning and collectively assume responsibility for their health and safety.
Addressing cholera requires a united effort from the government, health authorities, and citizens alike. The time for action is immediate.