Category: Health

Cholera

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

Ibadan, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Some residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, said on Tuesday that the cholera outbreak had compelled them to reconsider their eating habits and develop mechanisms to keep up with the situation.

The respondents made their views known in separate interviews by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

A motor mechanic at the Scout Camp area of the town, Mr Wale Adeyemi, says others like him feel hit the most being artisans.

According to him, since artisans rarely cook at work, they depend on food vendors.

“One can’t expect people like us to cook when we are at our workshops. We buy food to eat as the only food most of us have at home is dinner.

“We have food hawkers who come daily to sell to us but now, many of us don’t patronise them again.

“Now, as my wife is packing the food for the children, she’s packing mine along. I also take garri and groundnuts or bread to ensure I have at least two meals at work.

“I’m not buying food from anyone until the government will announce there’s no more cholera in Ibadan,” he said.

A pepper seller at Challenge, Mrs Basirat Lawal, likens this period to the days of COVID-19, as she recalls the precautionary measure of the COVID-19 days being replayed.

Lawal says she’s practising regular handwashing and mindful of where she buys her cooked foods.

“Since I heard about the cholera incident and learnt it started from drinking tiger nuts, I have stopped buying zobo from my customer.

“If I don’t bring food from home, I buy food from just one person because I trust her cooking hygiene, or I simply buy bread and coke.

“My children need me healthy and alive because they are still young,” she said.

Meanwhile, a barber, Mr Ahmeed Yinusa, described the experience restraining him from eating from different sources as the toughest in his over 30 years of existence.

“One of the toughest things on earth is seeing food and not being able to eat it because that’s the fastest way to contact cholera.

“I won’t lie, it is not easy for me. Well, maybe it wouldn’t have been this tough if I had been married.

“I hope the government are proactive in ensuring that this situation ends soonest,” he said.

In the banking sector, Miss Opeyemi Aboderin said hand sanitisers had become their go-to having to attend to several customers daily.

Aboderin says she applies her hand sanitiser after exchanging items or documents with customers.

“I know hand sanitisers are not 100 per cent effective as using water and soap, but looking at my environment, going back and forth to the washroom is not possible.

“To stay healthy, I now wake up a bit earlier than before to prepare food that I’ll have as lunch.

“This is, however, not convenient considering the nature of my work,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SEY/MAS

Edited by Moses Solanke

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Gombe State begins water chlorination to prevent cholera outbreak

Chlorination
By Hajara Leman
Gombe, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gombe State Government has started distributing chlorine to
the 11 local government areas as part of measures to mitigate cholera spread.

Dr Umar Musa, the Waste Manager of the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Tuesday.

Musa said the targeted areas are wells, stagnant ponds and reservoirs, while areas that fetch water from rivers would get aqua tabs “since they cannot chlorinate a running river or stream.”

He added that the aqua tab would be given to them, and the personnel handling the chlorination would teach them how to apply it in their drinking water.

He explained that “chlorine is a measure to mitigate cholera spread because it will destroy all  pathogens in water which contain the bacterium called Vibrio Cholerae which causes cholera infection and other water-born diseases.”

The manager, who said that the chlorine distribution would continue until December, added that “110 trained personnel are handling the distribution of both chlorine and the aqua tab to communities.

“The use of chlorine was the preventive method Gombe State also adopted in 2023 and it yielded positive results because there was no single case of cholera recorded.

“In 2023, however, the distribution was only to hot spots but this time around, we expanded to other areas and increased the quantity from six to 10 drums.

“Chlorination is a proactive measure against gastroenteritis and cholera, which is a water-borne disease.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, said “so far, of the cases of gastroenteritis recorded in the state, none turned out positive for Vibrio Cholerae.

“What we are doing in Gombe is more of preventive measures because people travelled during Sallah and on their return, they may habour the organism, hence the need for prevention.”

The commissioner emphasised the need for safe water and basic sanitation and hygiene practice as  critical ways of preventing and controlling the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
HUL/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

No recent confirmation of cholera in C’ River – Commissioner

Cholera
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, says there is no recent confirmation of cholera outbreak in the state.

Ayuk, who was reacting to the recent outbreak of the disease in some states in the country, said this on Monday in Calabar a chat with journalists.

He said that contrary to some news reports, it was not true that new cases of cholera were detected in the state.

“The last time there was a confirmed case was in January and that has been addressed, this not withstanding, the state is fully prepared for any emergency response in the current wave of national outbreak.

“The public health emergency response centre has been activated, while the local government response teams have all been strengthened with adequate capacity, including commodities to handle any emergency.

“The citizens of the state are advised to adhere to precautionary measures by maintaining good personal hygiene, safe foods and water consumption, as well as avoid crowded environments,” he said.

The commissioner appealed to residents to report any experience of diarrhoea or stooling, vomiting or other cholera-related symptoms to the nearest health facility in the state.

He restated the state government’s commitment to the health and well-being of residents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 40 people have been confirmed dead from the disease, while over 500 persons have been affected in the nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CBN/FON/IKU
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Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Tayo Ikujuni

Training

By Ishaq Zaki

Gusau, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The International Alert, an NGO, has commenced a two-day training on Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) first responders in Zamfara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NGO is implementing a project tagged “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice and Accountability in North West region of the country”, implemented in Kaduna and Zamfara.

No fewer than 60 participants of the training were drowned from four communities in Tsafe and Birnin-Magaji local government areas of the state.

The communities are Tsafe, Bilbis, Birnin-Magaji and Nasarawa-Godel.

The Country Director of the NGO, Mr Paul Nyulaku, said the training is aimed at equipping participants with essential skills to effectively address SGBV cases in their various communities.

Nyulaku, who was represented by the Programme Manager of the NGO, Mr Sunday Jimoh, emphasised the importance of fostering stability and accountability, especially in handling SGBV cases.

He said “this training specifically targets female participants from the four communities.

“The training is expected to empower responders to deliver psychological first aid to SGBV victims, while ensuring they receive the necessary support and justice.”

He urged participants to give proper attention to the training to enhance their capacity for critical psychological support.

Dr Nafisa Maradun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, commended International Alert for supporting the fight against SGBV in the state.

Maradun, Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Habibu Yelwa, stressed the need for collaborative effort by stakeholders to provide care and protection to SGBV survivors.

The commissioner expressed the state government’s commitment toward supporting the NGO and other partners for enhanced justice, peace and stability.

She said the state government under Gov. Dauda Lawal, would continue to collaborate with partners in developing the state.

Earlier, the Executive Director of Zamfara-based Civil Society Organisation, Musa Umar, expressed delight over the success of various programmes conducted by the organisation with support from International Alert.

Umar appealed to the state government to collaborate with more partners to address challenges on health, education and human development. (NAN)(www.nan.news.ng)

IZ/MAM/HA

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Cholera

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,598 suspected cases of cholera across 107 local government areas.

The cholera outbreak is characterised by a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent, significantly higher than the national expected average of one per cent, underscoring  severity of the situation.

The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while providing an update on the cholera epidemiological situation in Nigeria and ongoing prevention and response efforts at the national and subnational levels.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

The disease remains a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water access.

Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is crucial in curbing its spread and implementing effective prevention measures.

Idris, therefore, said “government is deeply concerned about the rapid spread and higher-than-expected mortality rate, indicating a more lethal outbreak.”

He emphasised that the fatalities represented significant personal losses, including family members, spouses, parents and healthcare workers.

“This situation can  be compounded as the rainy season intensifies,” he added.

He disclosed that Lagos State accounted for the highest number of deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two and Kano, Nasarawa and Cross River with one each.

He added that “”this alarming trend highlights the urgent need for coordinated response to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

“Sixteen states accounted for 90 per cent of the confirmed cases, with Lagos being the epicentre of the outbreak.

“Lagos State, having the highest number of cases, has received significant focus, with ongoing support and resources directed to manage the outbreak effectively.”

He added that the outbreak also affected Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, Katsina, Delta, Imo, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kano, Niger, Osun, Sokoto, and Kwara.

He expressed regret that the country is facing another public health emergency, just after dealing with Lassa Fever and Meningitis outbreaks.

He explained that experts had conducted a dynamic risk assessment last week on the cholera outbreak situation, “in response to the rapidly increasing cases.”

He expressed the agency’s deepest sympathy to those affected by the outbreak and reaffirmed commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

He disclosed that an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) had been activated to coordinate national efforts to combat the disease.

He said the EOC would  coordinate the national response, particularly across  affected states, to interrupt disease transmission and reduce its impact and socioeconomic complications.

“The EOC’s key actions and goals are to serve as hub for coordination and response, ensuring a unified approach across the country.

“It will provide critical support to affected states and local governments, facilitating rapid communication and resource mobilisation, strengthen surveillance and improve data analysis capabilities.”

He added that the EOC would coordinate the mobilisation and distribution of medical supplies, logistics and other resources, among others, to stem spread. 

The NCDC boss disclosed that an incident manager had been appointed to oversee the day-to-day operations of the EOC, coordinating efforts across several pillars, including surveillance, case management, use of oral cholera vaccines, infection prevention and control, logistics support and research.

Prior to the activation, he said, NCDC and the National Cholera Protection Agency had already undertaken several preventive measures, including  distribution of medical supplies, provision of on-site support to states and daily reporting on progress made.

Other measures are the training of laboratory scientists and community mobilisers, he said.

He explained that the NCDC, through the National Cholera Technical Working Group, carried out prevention and response efforts, including prepositioning and distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention and control, and laboratory diagnosis, in 36 states and the FCT.

He acknowledged efforts of stakeholders, including ministries, departments, agencies, state and local governments, local and international partners, healthcare workers, community leaders and individuals who worked hard in responding to the outbreak.

He also urged state governors to increase support and resources to manage the outbreak in their states.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AIR/CHOM/HA 

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Maternal deaths: 950,000  women at risk in Zamfara

Training

By Ishaq Zaki

Gusau, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner for Health in Zamfara, Dr Aisha Anka, says no fewer than 950,000 women in the state are on high risk of maternal deaths.

Anka said this in Gusau on Monday at the opening ceremony of a five-day workshop on preventable maternal deaths, for health workers in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, is being organised by a Non Governmental organization (NGO), Health for Life and Development Foundation in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and Hospital Services Management Board.

The training is being supported by the United Nations Population Fund.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, State Hospital Services Management Board, Mr Mustafa Marafa, described the training as very key.

According to the Commissioner, statistics credit Nigeria as having recorded 14 per cent of the total maternal death globally.

She noted that the Northern Nigeria including Zamfara had a record of 70 per cent of maternal deaths in Nigeria.

Anka  explained that the 50 nurses and midwives attending the training were selected from different health facilities across the state.

“The workshop signifies government’s commitment to improve maternal health in the state.

“This training is aimed at ensuring safe delivery of babies across all health facilities in the state.

“The participants were carefully selected, they are nurses and midwives incharge of labour rooms in the health facilities across the state”, she said.

“As we are all aware, that  Gov. Dauda Lawal declared a state of  emergency on health sector and  the state government embarked on total renovation of health facilities across the state.

“This training is part of the government’s commitment to promote capacity, manpower and skills of our health workers across the state”, she explained.

Earlier, the Executive Director Health for Life and Development Foundation, Dr Abubakar Danladi said the training was organised based on the realization  of  an increase  in maternal mortality in the state.

“This training is to ensure that our health workers are well equipped to handle health cases related to maternal deaths.

“This is for capacity building of our nurses and midwives on management of direct and indirect causes of preventable maternal deaths.

“Part of the mandate of this training is for participants to cascade the skills they will  acquire  to their respective health facilities”, he explained.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IZ/KOO/YGA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Gabriel Yough

Drug
By Mercy Neme
Asaba, June 24, 2024 (NAN) As part of activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse, the Delta State Drug Control Committee on Monday took sensitisation campaign to streets of Asaba on dangers of drug abuse.

Members of the committee, drawn from the State Ministries of Health, Education, Justice, as well as representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Police amongst others, converged at the Oshimili South Arcade from where they walked through some streets of Asaba.

Mrs Helen Orie, the Chairperson of the committee and Director, Pharmaceutical Services, State Ministry of Health, who led the campaign/road walk, said drug abuse was on the increase and needed to be curbed before it got worse.

Orie, speaking on the theme for the 2024 celebration: “Say No To Drug Abuse”, noted that drug abuse always had devastating effects on individuals involved, the family setting and society at large.

Orie, also a Pharmacist, explained that the fight against drug abuse was in two dimensions; supply reduction, being championed at the Federal level and demand reduction, being handled by the Drug Control Committee at the state level.

She said the committee with the support of the state government had recorded some successes in the prevention and control of drug abuse in the state.

According to her, we have taken sensitisation campaigns to public places, including places of worship, markets, schools and communities with significant impacts.

“Today’s sensitisation/road walk is meant to further create more awareness on the need for a drug-free society,” she said.

Orie commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for his support toward the campaign against drug abuse in the state.

Also speaking, Silas Omobude, the Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA, Delta Command, said that 14.4 million Nigerians, aged between 18 and 29, were involved in drug abuse and trafficking.

Omobude who is also the state Secretary of the committee, said fighting the drug war was a Herculean task which required the collective effort of all critical stakeholders.

He noted that the state government had reasonably supported the  committee to record some breakthroughs.

On his part, the Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Delta Chapter, Mr Emmanuel Onyemeziem, debunked insinuations that the Nigerian movie industry had contributed to societal ills, including drug abuse.

Onyemeziem said the guild was in partnership with the NDLEA and the Delta government in the war against drug abuse, and urged youths to say no to drug abuse and embrace meaningful ventures. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
MOA/CHOM/AJA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Adeleye Ajayi

Cholera: Enugu Gov’t urges residents to be vigilant, report symptoms

Cholera

By Alex Enebeli

Enugu, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Enugu State Government has urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to preventive measures to avoid outbreak of Cholera in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, made the call in a statement on Monday in Enugu.

While noting that the state was yet to confirmed any case of cholera outbreak, Obi said it was crucial for residents to stay informed and take preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities.

He described Cholera as an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae that spread through contaminated food and water, especially during floods or inadequate sanitation conditions.

According to him, the disease affected approximately 30 states in Nigeria including states surrounding Enugu State.

“Therefore, you must remain vigilant and take precautions that include boiling or treat drinking water to ensure its safety and wash hands frequently with soap and clean running water.

“Avoid consuming raw or undercooked food, cook food thoroughly, avoid street food or food from unhygienic sources.

“Wash fruits and vegetables properly and educate your family, friends, and neighbours about cholera prevention,” he advised.

The commissioner also urged them report any symptoms promptly to health authorities nearest to them.

“If you experience symptoms of severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, seek medical attention immediately.

“Cholera can be treated effectively if detected early. Remember, prevention is our best defense against cholera and let us work together to keep our community safe.

“Enugu State Ministry of Health has pre-positioned drugs and consumables to contain the outbreak in case it comes to Enugu State,” he assured. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AAE/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Cholera

By Oluwafunke Ishola 

Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has warned the public to avoid unregulated and unregistered beverages to prevent ingesting contaminated drinks. 

Abayomi gave the advice during a state multiagency news briefing and update on cholera outbreak on Monday in Lagos. 

The commissioner said that history taken from the no fewer than 500 suspected cholera cases in the state showed that some of the patients indicated consuming some street beverages.

 He, however, said that the majority of patients talked about other forms of access to drinks, including sachet water, bottled water, carbonated drinks, noting that street beverages were common in the state. 

“It is what a lot of people consume on their way to and from work or after school. So, it’s not surprising that a few of our suspected cases referred to the consumption of a beverage. 

“However, liquid beverages are produced in a batch. And once the batch is produced, it is distributed and consumed. 

“So, when we go back to a particular location where they are manufacturing street beverages, we may not find anything at all because the batch that was contaminated has been completely distributed.

“My advice to the public is check the NAFDAC number of beverages bought on the street, if it’s not certified by NAFDAC, avoid it,” he warned. 

Abayomi further said that the state would pay attention to the source of water used by manufacturers for their production, noting that efforts were ongoing to regulate activities of street manufacturers. 

“First of all, we are trying to emphasise the fact that if you are going to manufacture anything for public consumption, you must be registered with NAFDAC,” he said. 

According to him, the state is conducting tests on several beverages to identify the source of the cholera outbreak, noting that currently, results are yet to indicate a particular source. 

He said that the state would introduce a Safe Plate and Safe Drinking Initiative to ensure safety of food and drinks produced in the state. 

Speaking on cholera vaccination, Abayomi said the state was cautious about adding new vaccines, noting that there was a general global and national sensitivity around vaccines presently. 

“We have to be very sure that the introduction of the oral cholera vaccine will actually make a difference before we expose you to a new vaccine. 

“There is evidence that it is effective, but it needs to be repeated. It only lasts for a period of time.

“In this situation, when our incidence of the cholera cases has completely subsided, it does not support the rollout of an oral cholera vaccination campaign,” he said. 

Similarly, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, disclosed that no case of cholera was recorded in the state’s public and private schools. 

Alli-Balogun said that an advisory had been issued to parents, guardians, and school authorities urging all to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure the health and safety of children against cholera. 

Also, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, state Commissioner for Information, said open defecation was common in the state and posed a threat to citizens’ health. 

 Omotoso said the state government would provide new public toilets around the state to curb open defecation. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos on June 11 alerted residents that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases. 

Abayomi, on June 15, disclosed that laboratory tests had confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.

As at June 23, fatalities from the state’s cholera outbreak have risen to 29 deaths, 579 suspected cases, 43 laboratory confirmed cases across multiple Local Government Areas in the state. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

AIO/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu