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As the Lagos State Government intensify efforts to curtail the spread of Cholera, it has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba.
In a statement published on its website on Sunday, signed by the Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, the PHEOC was convened to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases reported across multiple local government areas in Lagos.
PUNCH Healthwuse reported that the United Nations Children’s Fund urged the Lagos State Government to urgently provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities to communities to curb the disease.
The state Ministry of Health, on Saturday, confirmed 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in the state, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.
Lagos govt confirms 17 cholera cases, 15 deaths in 29 wards – Healthwise (punchng.com)
Abayomi stated, “The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub-type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
“Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts, however, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, signalling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures.”
PUNCH Healthwise had reported that the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, on Saturday, said to reduce fatality associated with cholera, the state government must strengthen its healthcare systems and make them capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks.
The international organisation also urged the state government to ensure the availability of standard water.
Lafoucrier said, “Addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires a deliberate focus of state policies to provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities, as well as strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks, and state-led educational campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large.
“To alleviate cholera outbreaks, a comprehensive approach is essential. Sustainable WASH infrastructure and strengthened health systems capable of anticipating epidemics as well as, effective community engagement strategies are crucial to halt transmission.”
PUNCH Healthwise, in a report published on Sunday with the headline, ‘As Lagos battles cholera outbreak, communities swim in filth, faeces’, revealed that the affected communities, which were visited exhibited alarming disregard for basic sanitation, while open defecation and poor hygiene practices appeared to be a normal way of life.
As Lagos battles cholera outbreak, communities swim in filth, faeces – Healthwise (punchng.com)
It was noted that the silent menace, among other sanitation infractions, no doubt, triggered the recent cholera outbreak, which has claimed the lives of many and left several others fighting desperately for their lives.
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