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Tag: Cholera

  • Cholera: Red Cross trains 60 volunteers for community engagement

    Cholera: Red Cross trains 60 volunteers for community engagement

    Engagement
    By Joan Odafe
    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos Branch, has  trained  60 emergency response volunteers to enable them to acquire skills to curb cholera spread in communities.

    The volunteers were trained at the “Training of Volunteers on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) for the Cholera Outbreak” programme on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the branch with support from the British Red Cross.

    The Chairman of the branch, Mrs Adebola Kolawole, told NAN that 20 volunteers were selected from each of three different local government areas.

    She listed the council areas as Kosofe, Eti-Osa and Lagos Island.

    Kolawole said that the volunteers were selected  from the Red Cross divisions because cholera was more prevalent in them.

    The chairman said that the volunteers would go to various communities in the council areas  for 20 days after the training, to engage them on issues regarding cholera.

    “This intervention is to sensitise our volunteers on what they need to know about cholera.

    “They will go into public places – marketplace, churches and mosques – and talk to them on how to prevent more outbreak.

    “They will give them thorough enlightenment, sensitise and engage them one-on-one on hygiene,” she said.

    She said that the volunteers would also enlighten community members on the need to stop buying from roadsides, food and drinks not approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and  Control,” she said.

    Participants at Training of Volunteers on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) for the Cholera Outbreak programme organised by the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos Branch

    The  Secretary of the branch, Mr Olakunle Lasisi, told NAN that the training would influence behavioural changes, prevent misinformation and help members of the communities to make informed choices.

    “The changes will lead to better ways of living and guard against spread of cholera and other diseases,” he said.

    Mr Badejo Olusegun,  Health Educator, Lagos State Ministry of Health, said: “Our sources of water must be safe and hygienic, we should also make sure we are very observant of the places we eat or buy foods.

    “We should avoid meat or fish that is exposed to flies and make use of public toilets when on a journey and avoid open defecation,” he said.

    Participants at the training urged the state government to look into the sources of drinking water of the affected communities.

    They  urged the government to enforce hand washing in schools to prevent the disease from spreading. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    JOJO/IGO
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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Cholera: Group urges FG to reintroduce hand washing practices

    Cholera: Group urges FG to reintroduce hand washing practices

    Cholera

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The President of Safe Water Global Initiative, Mr Francis Uzoma, has called for the reintroduction of hand washing practices in public places to curtail the spread of cholera in Nigeria.

    Uzoma made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He emphasised on the need for the practice following the continued reports of widespread of cholera outbreaks in many parts of the country.

    Uzoma advocated for a comprehensive multi-level government collaboration, policy implementation and behavioural change to tackle the issue.

    “I think there is a need for hands-on collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments in handling this issue of cholera in our country.

    “In most of our schools and public places, we need to engage in hand-washing campaigns because currently, few schools have hand-washing facilities.

    “In spite of the media announcements about the outbreaks, it is unfortunate that Lagos State has lost so many precious lives.

    “We are hopeful this will not happen again, and we expect various government agencies and responsible bodies to do more,” he said.

    Uzoma highlighted the importance of scaling up investments in water infrastructure, and ensuring proper allocation of funds for mini-water schemes at the local government levels.

    “When there is an outbreak, most people don’t have safe water they make do with what is available. Access to water is a right according to the UN Convention on Rights to Water.

    “The government should be at the forefront to ensure that citizens have access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene,” Uzoma said.

    He also highlighted the need to create a framework for better coordination among international NGOs, multilateral organisations, and government policies, as well as implementing digital tools to enhance water and sanitation projects.

    Uzoma called for streamlining of procurement processes to expedite project implementation for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    He cited the National Water Resources Policy 2016, which projects that national water demand would rise to 16.585 million cubic meters yearly by 2030.

    According to him, this underscores the need for proactive measures to scale up access.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports 1,598 suspected cholera cases across 107 Local Government Areas in 30 states, with Bayelsa accounting for 50 per cent of the cases.

    Efforts to curb the spread of cholera include improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, deploying rapid diagnostic tests, and enhancing surveillance.

    However, challenges such as urban slums, lack of potable water, and limited healthcare infrastructure have continued to hinder various progress.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TAK/NNO/JPE

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    Edited by Nick Nicholas

  • FG reactivates water labs to curb cholera

    Cholera

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, says the ministry has reactivated its laboratories across the six geopolitical zones to curtail further spread of cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

    Utsev spoke  on Tuesday at the ongoing 5th Lagos International Water Conference with the theme “Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos.’’

    He said the laboratory facilities would improve the detection and monitoring of cholera cases, aiding in quicker responses and more effective containment measures.

    “This action reflects a proactive approach to public health management and underscores the importance of robust infrastructure in tackling infectious diseases.”

    Utsev said that proactive measures were necessary for extensive public sensitisation on personal hygiene and ensuring the proper treatment or boiling of water and cooking of food and vegetables.

    He emphasised the importance of increased investment in the water and sanitation sector, particularly urging state governors, development partners, and the private sector to prioritise such efforts.

    He reassured that the Federal Government would continue to support states through various interventions to ensure access to clean and safe water and improved sanitation for all.

    The minister stressed the necessity of public-private partnerships, saying such collaborations would attract private investment, enhance efficiency, and ensure sustainable service delivery.

    He said that the government would leverage private sector expertise and capital to upgrade existing water infrastructure and expand coverage to underserved areas.

    The minister also advocated for community-based organisations to mobilise resources and implement low-cost, decentralised solutions tailored to local needs, particularly in the areas of operation and maintenance.

    He underscored the significance of international development assistance in financing water and sanitation projects in Nigeria, saying their contribution to providing grants, loans, and technical assistance was timely.

    Utsev called on state governors and traditional and religious leaders to intensify campaigns against open defecation and to build more decent toilets to discourage the practice, aiming to achieve an open defecation-free status by next year.

    On his part, Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reiterated his administration’s commitment over the past five years to addressing the water needs of Lagosians.

    He, however, acknowledged the significant gap that still existed in achieving access to clean and safe water.

    The governor called for more practical actions and support from the Federal Government, development partners, and other stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector.

    The three-day International Conference featured presentations from notable figures, including Mrs Jette Bjerrum, the Consul General of Denmark in Lagos.

    Other representatives from USAID and development partners also discussed the role of partnerships and collaboration to change poor water governance in the country.

    (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    TAK/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Expert suggests preventive tips to combat Cholera

    Cholera 

    By Ahmed Kaigama 

    Bauchi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A Bauchi-based public health expert, Dr Hassan Musa has cautioned the people against constructing toilets near water points to curb cholera outbreak.

    Musa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Bauchi.

    Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by eating food or water contaminated with the bacteria called vibrio cholerae.

    He said that it was imperative to provide a distance of about 30 meters between latrine and water source to to guard against transmission of the bacteria.

    The medical expert said the distance between a water source and latrine is important in reducing the risk of transferring pathogens between feces and food by flies.

    “These pathogens are major causes of infectious diarrhea and intestinal worm infections.

    “Pit latrines are a low-cost method of separating feces from people. A pit should be built in a reasonable distance from the house. 

    “Therefore, the distance from wells or surface water should be at least 20-30 meters to decrease the risk of ground water pollution,” he said.

    Musa also cautioned against defecating and indiscriminate dumping of diapers in places that could be transfer into food and water sources.

    “We need to clear drains, especially during the rainy season when the water table below is gradually coming up. 

    “It would get to a point where blocked drains might contaminate the surface water with the water below,” he said

    He further advised people to imbibe good sanitation habits and get vaccinated against the disease,  and ensure that food and sources of water are safe for consumption.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) report that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has declared an upsurge of cholera cases since the onset of the rainy season in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • FG begins water quality analysis to curtail cholera outbreak

    FG begins water quality analysis to curtail cholera outbreak

    Cholera
    By Tosin Kolade
    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated a water quality analysis following a cholera outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of 30 people across several states.

    Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday said this was necessary following continued reports of outbreak in many parts of the country.

    According to him, the ministry’s concern highlights the severity of this waterborne disease, which is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and spreads rapidly through contaminated water or food.

    He said the symptoms of cholera include vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

    “In response to the outbreak, teams from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto have been dispatched to collect water samples and investigate the presence of Vibrio cholerae in the affected areas.

    “Additionally, the ministry is coordinating with State Technical Working Groups and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs) through the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG) to address the outbreak comprehensively”.

    Shinkafi said that before the outbreak, the National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group had already trained state working groups on preparedness, prevention, and response strategies, as well as hygiene promotion and water safety planning.

    These states, he said have now intensified their community sensitisation efforts to reduce cholera cases and are promoting campaigns against open defecation, a known transmission route for the disease.

    He however urged Nigerians to take precautions to protect themselves and their families by boiling or treating drinking water before consumption.

    The permanent secretary called on all Nigerians to take wash hands with soap under clean, running water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

    He said the ministry will continue to provide updates in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the situation evolves.

    “Let’s wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating.

    “Let’s also seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea.

    “Together, we can overcome this challenge and prevent further loss of lives”.

    NAN quotes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as saying “as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024.’’

    The 10 states that recorded 90 per cent of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa—over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TAK/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Cholera: Edo Govt tasks residents on hygiene, sanitation

     

    Health

    By Joy Odigie

    Benin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) As Nigeria grapples with a cholera outbreak affecting some states, Edo Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) has urged residents of the state to prioritize personal hygiene and sanitation practices.

    Mrs Irene Uabor, Health Educator, EDSPHCD), disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin.

    Uabor said that the Agency had started sensitization on the disease at the local government councils.

    She said, “while Edo has not recorded any cases of cholera, the risk of the disease spreading is significant, necessitating proactive measures to prevent an outbreak”.

    The health educator said that the disease was characterized by severe diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to rapid dehydration and, if left untreated, could be fatal within hours.

    “Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated water or food.”

    She emphasized the importance of clean water and proper sanitation, saying, “Cholera thrives in environments where water and food sources are contaminated with faecal matter.

    “Ensuring access to clean drinking water, proper disposal of waste, and maintaining personal hygiene are key to preventing cholera.”

    “Residents are advised to boil water before drinking, avoid eating street food, and wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

    “Communities are also encouraged to improve waste management practices, ensuring that dirts are disposed of in designated areas and not left in the open where it can contaminate water sources,” she said.

    She added that the agency had heightened media campaigns on the awareness and preventive measures against the disease in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OOJ/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Cholera: Expert recommends intensified hygiene practices for schools

    Cholera

    By Tosin Kolade
    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) In response to suspected and confirmed reports of cholera outbreaks in some parts of Nigeria, a sanitation expert has called for improved hygiene practices in schools.

    Mr Benson Attah, the National Coordinator, Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He said that school management authourities need to immediately increase their level of alertness and intensify cholera awareness.

    He urged local government councils with reported outbreaks to disseminate hygiene messages to pupils and students in affected areas.

    Attah advised students to share the messages with their families, neighbours, and communities to ensure widespread awareness and preventive action.

    “This outbreak should serve as an early warning to the councils and states yet unaffected,” Attah said.

    He underscored the necessity for proactive measures even in regions not currently experiencing outbreaks.

    “The recommended hygiene practices include; regular hand washing with safe, clean water and soap, especially before eating.

    “We must all practice food safety by washing fruits and vegetables with salt and water, followed by thorough rinsing and ensuring that all cooking and eating utensils are cleaned with soap and water.

    “Another issue is insect and rodent prevention through preventing flies and other insects from contacting food and keeping rodents out of homes, particularly kitchens and food storage areas”.

    The national coordinator noted the importance of water safety, saying drinking only potable or boiled water should be encouraged at all times.

    Attah said that school management authorities must immediately increase their alertness and cholera awareness efforts to mitigate the spread of the disease.

    He urged everyone to maintain a high level of hygiene at home, in schools, on buses, and in other public places to prevent further outbreaks.

    “The level of seriousness and commitment to hygiene practices must be heightened across all affected and unaffected areas, collective responsibility is essential in combating the cholera outbreak.

    Attah also advised everyone to avoid buying and eating street food in areas with reported cholera cases, saying clothes and bedding should be soaked in soap, boiled water, and disinfectants, or bleach.

    He said floors, walls, toilets, and bathrooms should be washed with disinfectants or bleach where cholera patients stayed or were treated.

    “Everyone should drink boiled or potable water, additionally, people should adopt regular hand washing with safe water and soap or use hand sanitizer.”

    NAN quotes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as saying ` as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024.’’

    The 10 states that recorded 90 per cent of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa—over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara States). (NAN)

    TAK/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

     

     

  • Cholera: Expert cautions Nigerians on vended local foods

    Cholera: Expert cautions Nigerians on vended local foods

    Mrs Assumpta Ilodibe 

    Cholera
    By Joy Mbachi
    Awka,June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Assumpta Ilodibe, a Chief Nursing Officer at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, says Nigerians to be mindful of how they patronise food vendors to avoid contracting cholera.
    Ilodibe made the call following reports of cholera breakout in some parts of the country.
    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)in Awka on Sunday, Ilodibe
    said the cholera could be fatal if medical intervention was delayed or not properly handled.
    She said the bacteria responsible for cholera produced a toxin in the small intestines which made the body to secrete too much water leading to diarrhea and rapid loss of fluid and salt.
    She said it was important to prevention contracting cholera through dedicated hygiene, safe drinking water.
    Ilodibe advised that foodstuff bought from the markets needed to be washed well with salt before consumption.
    The medical expert advised people to ensure they washed their toilets in and out with alcohol based detergents at least three times a week.
    Ilodibe said that parents should ensure their children were trained to imbibe healthy living principles of proper hand washing after contacts with people and public places.
    She said that hand washing under running water with soap after visiting the toilets or after returning from school or public places would prevent lots of communicable diseases.
    Ilodibe advised against eating raw meat or fish and urged people to always wash their nuts, fruits, vegetables with clean water and salt before eating.
    “Water for cooking should be very clean and upgraded personal hygiene should always be sustained,” she advised.
    NAN reports that on June 9, the Lagos State Government declared a cholera outbreak as reported by the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on June 12.
    According to the EOC, 324 suspected cholera cases have been reported in the state, including 15 people who died. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    JOY/CHOM/KUA
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne