In efforts to prevent cholera disease, the Federal Government is urging Nigerians to steer clear of locally prepared beverages like kunu, zobo, and fura.
Emphasizing the importance of vigilance, the government is advocating for improved sanitation and hygiene practices both at home and in workplaces.
Issuing the directive in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, stressed the significance of preventive measures such as maintaining a clean environment and proper waste disposal.
Suggesting precautionary actions, Salako recommended ensuring the use of clean and safe water, advocating for thorough boiling or treatment of suspicious water sources with chlorine solution.
Highlighting the need for hygienic food and beverage preparation, he advised against consuming locally made drinks unless prepared under safe and sanitary conditions.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after specific activities like using the toilet or before handling food.
In addition, the government is calling on States and Local Governments to enhance environmental health surveillance in places where food and drinks are sold nationwide, including markets, schools, and restaurants.
Addressing the current situation, Salako reported a total of 1,159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths across 30 states, with the most affected states including Bayelsa, Lagos, and Zamfara, among others.
He also highlighted the ministry’s efforts in curtailing the spread of cholera through pollution control, environmental health campaigns, and water testing to identify sources of infection.
Describing cholera as a sanitation-driven disease caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, Salako underlined the urgency of prompt treatment to prevent fatalities.
Recognizing cholera as a seasonal public health concern in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, Salako emphasized the need for improved sanitation practices to mitigate the impact of extreme climate events like flooding.
He referred to the global resurgence of cholera cases as identified by the World Health Organization, categorizing the current outbreak as a grade three public health emergency, necessitating a comprehensive response.
Finally, Salako highlighted Nigeria’s position among the 14 African countries experiencing this resurgence, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to address the ongoing cholera outbreak.