The Minority Leadership of the House of Representatives is deeply concerned by the alarming rise in cholera cases across thirty states in Nigeria, as reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This outbreak highlights critical deficiencies in public health safety measures and underscores the urgent need for immediate action.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s announcement of cholera outbreaks in thirty states is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our public health infrastructure. The lack of adequate investment in public and personal health education has contributed significantly to the spread of this preventable disease.
Cholera, a waterborne disease, thrives in conditions where access to clean water and sanitation is compromised. The current outbreaks are exacerbated by inadequate sanitation facilities and poor hygiene practices, particularly in densely populated areas and communities with limited access to clean water.
As schools across the nation resume from the recent public holidays, there is an urgent need to declare a state of emergency on cholera. This declaration will enable coordinated efforts at all levels of government to deploy resources swiftly towards containing the outbreaks, improving sanitation infrastructure, and intensifying public health education campaigns.
The Government of Nigeria, including States’ Governments, must prioritize the allocation of resources towards improving water and sanitation facilities in affected communities. Additionally, investing in robust public health education programs is crucial to raising awareness about hygiene practices that can prevent the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
We call upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and individuals, to collaborate closely in combating this outbreak. It is only through collective action and sustained investment in public health that we can mitigate the impact of cholera outbreaks and protect the health and well-being of all Nigerians.
We urge the public to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms associated with cholera. Together, we can overcome this challenge and build a healthier, more resilient Nigeria.
Rep OK Chinda
Minority Leader,
House of Representatives,
Abuja.
21st June, 2024