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Tag: cholera

  • Official raises concern as cholera death rises in Ebonyi

    Official raises concern as cholera death rises in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi Government says the death toll from the cholera outbreak in Ndibokote Village in Ezza Inyimegu Community has hit 15.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, confirmed the number of deaths from the epidemic in the locality to newsmen in Abakiliki on Friday.

    Ekuma said that three emergency centres had been designated for the treatment of patients.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi, Mr Steven Nwankpa, has warned the people of the affected community to desist from open defecation practice and other unhealthy lifestyle.

    Nwankpa issued the warning, while monitoring the extent of the epidemic in the community and sensitising the natives on the dangers of open defecation.

    He said that putting an end to the unwholesome practice would help to check the spread of the disease in the area.

    He said that the warning became necessary, following the increasing number of cases and deaths from the scourge.

    Nwankpa said, “The number of death has risen to 15 since Wednesday, when the epidemic broke out in the Ndibokote Village in Ezza-Inyimegu Community.”

    He described the incident as shocking and appealed to the community to avoid holding burial ceremonies until the scourge.had been controlled.

    “Ensure that you maintain proper personal hygiene,” Nwankpa said.

    A community leader, Mr Stephen Nwamkpuma, linked the outbreak to some natives, who allegedly brought home some pieces of beef from a burial ceremony.

    “After eating the meat, the people started vomiting, resulting in the spread of the disease,” Nwamkpuma said.

  • Nigeria’s cholera cases surge by 128% with Lagos as epicentre – NCDC

    Nigeria’s cholera cases surge by 128% with Lagos as epicentre – NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has said that Nigeria witnessed a significant rise of 128 per cent in cholera cases. NCDC said that Lagos state accounted for 60 per cent of all cases, with Lagos Island being the most affected Locsl Government Area (LGA).

    The NCDC,  via its official website, said that for the epidemiological week 35, the death toll had also increased by 106 per cent with 204 fatalities in 2024. It reported 7,056 suspected cases as of Sept. 1, compared to 3,096 cases at the same point in 2023

    As of June 24, the country announced a state of emergency on cholera. This was due to a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent, well above the national expected average of one per cent.

    Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium, Vibrio cholera, which 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. The Public Health Agency, also identified other heavily affected states to include Bayelsa, Katsina, and Zamfara.

    “Cholera fatality rates slightly improved, dropping to 2.9 per cent from 3.2 per cent in 2023,” it said.

    The NCDC said that it was intensifying rapid diagnostic testing and stool culture tests to contain the outbreak.

    “Vulnerable groups, particularly children under five, remain the most affected,” it said.

    It said that there were ongoing monitoring efforts,  and called for increased public awareness and intervention to curb the outbreak.

    Meanwhile, public health experts have pointed to several factors contributing to the surge in cases.

    Dr John Okoro, an epidemiologist, highlighted the impact of inadequate sanitation in densely populated urban areas.

    “The lack of proper waste management systems and access to clean water in areas like Lagos Island has made it a breeding ground for waterborne diseases.

    “Poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions are accelerating the spread of infections,”Okoro explained.

    He underscored the urgent need for government intervention, stating that, “improving access to safe drinking water and investing in sanitation infrastructure should be a top priority.

    “Without these changes, communities in urban slums will continue to suffer from preventable outbreak,” he said.

    Environmental health specialist, Mr Peter Adamu, also commented on the importance of addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps.

    “Slum areas, particularly in Lagos, have been neglected for years, which not only puts residents at risks, but increases the overall public health burden on the country.

    “It is time we prioritise these vulnerable communities if we are serious about preventing future health crises,”Adamu stressed.

    He called for a comprehensive approach to urban health planning, underscoring the need for multi-sectoral collaboration between health, environmental, and urban planning authorities.

  • We’ve ensured no further death to cholera – Delta govt

    We’ve ensured no further death to cholera – Delta govt

    The Delta State Government has said it has risen to the challenge posed by the cholera outbreak by ensuring no further death occurred outside the seven it recorded in February.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this at a news conference at the Ministry of Information in Asaba on Tuesday.

    According to him, the first outbreak in mid-February was at Warri South-West Local Government Area (LGA) with seven deaths, which were mainly children.

    He noted that the state had since then recorded second and third outbreaks, spreading over eight LGAs but with no additional death recorded.

    The commissioner said that the state government’s intervention was adequate to contain the disease, caused by bacteria infection and spread by consuming infected water or food.

    Onojaeme, however, advised on the need for regular handwashing, intake of potable water and maintenance of a clean and hygienic environment.

    “We have done so much to respond to the challenge with a view to controlling it through the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry.

    “We do not quarantine cholera patients because the disease is not airborne, but we treat victims and advise them to avoid the risk factors.

    “We are continuing our control process with adequate advocacy,” he said.

    He said that cholera has a 12-day incubation period upon which a victim without a symptom could spread it to others.

    “However, a regular habit of hygiene can help to contain it,” he said.

    Earlier, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, said the new conference was to give an update on the state government’s efforts at checkmating the disease.

    He called for adequate publicity to inform and educate the people on the need to keep a clean environment for the safety of all.

    Osuoza urged all and sundry to support the government to achieve a holistic defeat of the scourge.

  • How to avoid cholera – NYSC DG to corps members

    How to avoid cholera – NYSC DG to corps members

    Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged corps members to practise best hygiene to guide against cholera or any form of disease.

    Ahmed said this on Saturday while addressing the 2024 Batch B Stream 1 corps members at the NYSC  temporary orientation camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Agege, Lagos.

    He called on corps members to adhere strictly to the scheme’s dress code and embrace regimented camp life.

    He said, “You are representing the image of the scheme, therefore, you must live up to expectations, your dressing and appearance must conform to the NYSC dress code and with the kits provided for the period.”

    Ahmed also urged the corps members to always make themselves to participate in all camp activities, adding, “take all camp programmes very seriously.

    ”There are about 12 skills which we sensitise the corps members during the orientation camp exercise and we encourage them to pick a skill of their interest so that they can develop on it and become independent.

    “We are in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, Unity Bank, Access Bank and NNPC Foundation, amongst others, that are ready to provide grants and loans at no interest,” the director-general said.

    Ahmed, who expressed delight at the state of the camp, urged the corps members to be disciplined and practise best hygiene to guide against cholera or any form of disease.

    On the posting of corps members for primary Assignments, Ahmed urged all government establishments and private organisations to absorb and give them an opportunity to contribute their quotas to national development.

    He, however, warned the corps members against indulging in self-rejection, adding, “sometimes corps members ask to be rejected or relocated, but we emphasise that they accept their postings in good faith, go there and give in their best.”

    Ahmed, who declared that the welfare and security of the corps members remained the scheme’s top agenda, warned them against embarking on unauthorised and  night journeys.

    Earlier, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, the State Coordinator, NYSC commended Ahmed for the visit, saying,” the corps members have seen themselves as brothers/sisters from one big family.

    ”They have shown their preparedness to be mentored and integrate themselves with the spirit of nationalism, dedication and absolute resolve to serve their fatherland.

    ”The camp officials are on top of their jobs, while members of other collaborating agencies have been exceptional in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

    “We have platoon counselors, safety protocol committee, climate setting for prospective corps members, integrity talks with male and female corps members and health hygiene monitoring committee as best practices in the orientation camp.”

    Baderinwa extolled the cordial relationship between the state government and the scheme, adding “Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been passionate about NYSC in Lagos, especially in the area of support with regards to statutory responsibilities.”

  • Cholera epidemic continues spread across Nigeria

    Cholera epidemic continues spread across Nigeria

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it registered 63 deaths and 2102 suspected cases in the ongoing cholera epidemic across the country.

    The Director-General of the centre, Dr Jide Idris, said this during a news conference on the cholera situation on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, and has remained a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water.

    It is, therefore, advisable to understand the disease transmission mechanism so as to curb its spread.

    Idris said that as at June 30, Nigeria recorded 2,102 suspected cholera cases and 63 deaths across 33 states and 122 local government areas, with a case fatality rate of 3.0 per cent

    The NCDC boss said that the top 10 affected states are Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta, with seven of these being in the south.

    He said that the  National Cholera Multisectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), activated for this crisis, comprised subject matter experts who coordinate the response, ensuring effective resource mobilisation, surveillance, case management, and community engagement.

    He said that the measures aim to enhance diagnostic capacity, treatment, and public awareness.

    According to him, there are key  prevention and response activities initiated by the agency.

    “Such activities include assessments in 22 hotspot states, distribution of medical supplies, technical support, training programmes and public health advisories,” he said.

    The NCDC boss said that in spite of strong political support and efforts, challenges like open defecation, inadequate toilet facilities, poor water and sanitation, waste management issues, and weak regulatory practices persisted.

    He added said that the impact of climate change and flooding exacerbated the cholera situation in the country.

    He said that there were efforts to continue to combat the outbreak, with a focus on improving hygiene practices, enforcing public health laws, and enhancing healthcare workers’ capacity at state and local levels.

    “Only 123 (16 per cent) of 774 LGAs in Nigeria are open defeacation free. With Jigawa as the only open defeacation free state in Nigeria. More than 48 million Nigerians practice open defecation.

    “Inadequate toilet facilities and existing ones even in many government facilities not well maintained. Inadequate Safe water and poor sanitation,” he said.

    According to him, 11 per cent of schools, six per cent of health facilities, four  per cent of motor parks and markets, have access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services.

    He listed its causes to include poor waste management practices, poor food, environmental and personal hygiene practices., capacity gap among health care workers at the state and LGA levels.

    “Weak regulation on construction of soak away and bore holes (some sunk close to water source and bore holes sunk in wrong location).

    “Inadequate Implementation and enforcement of public nuisance law and other relevant public health laws.

    “Inadequate capacity at State level – delayed disease reporting and response action. Capacity gap among health care workers at the state and LGA levels.

    “Also,  poor regulation of food vendor and commercial water supply on hygiene, weak regulation on sighting of boreholes and well, which are close to sewage or toilets pathways,” he said.

    He said that low knowledge and practice of basic hygiene such as hand washing and effect of climate change and flood was also a major cause of cholera.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako,  said that the cholera outbreak in the country came as a stark reminder that when the country failed to prioritise environmental sanitation,  public health would be jeopardised and economy would be affected.

    “Nigeria is experiencing the adverse impact of climate change as evidenced by the shift in seasons, rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events like floods, droughts and heat waves with undeniable health consequences,” Salako said.

    According to him, the combination of climate change and poor sanitation, without doubt, poses a double jeopardy to the health of the planet and all creatures on it.

    Recall that public health experts have suggested comprehensive strategy to combat the cholera outbreak.

    The experts also called for improved sanitation, access to safe water, proper hygiene, and better living conditions to address this recurrent and predictable loss of lives.

    They advocated for the classification of cholera as a neglected tropical disease.

    Cholera, a virulent but treatable disease, causes 2.9 million cases and 95,000 deaths annually worldwide.

    Proper management keeps mortality under one percent, but it can rise to 60 percent if untreated.

    Historically, cholera has shaped public health, from John Snow’s 1854 London outbreak response to the development of life-saving oral rehydration therapy by Hemendra Nath Chatterjee in 1953.

  • Treat cholera with same seriousness as COVID-19 – Rep. Faleke urges

    Treat cholera with same seriousness as COVID-19 – Rep. Faleke urges

    Rep. James Faleke (Ikeja Federal Constituency) has called on Nigerians to treat the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country with the level of seriousness  they handled  COVID-19 pandemic.

    Faleke made the call in an interview with NAN in Lagos on Monday.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently reported that 53 deaths due to cholera had been recorded in the country.

    Also, the Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said that the Federal Government had activated the National Emergency Operation Centre for cholera.

    Idris said, “As at June 24, 2024, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths were recorded across 31 states and 107 LGAs with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.”

    Reacting, Faleke said that Nigerians should do more to curb the cholera outbreak.

    ” Every Nigerian needs to be careful, our attitude to cleanliness matters,” he said.

    Faleke said that Nigerians should be more careful with what they would eat and drink.

    “The way we took COVID-19 seriously is the way we should take  this cholera outbreak.

    “Cholera has killed many people. We expected that, at this modern age, we should not be having an outbreak of cholera in Nigeria.

    “However, it has come; so, we have to deal with it.  People should be more careful with what they eat and what they drink.

    “There are many fake products out there. Stop taking fake products. You don’t have to drink anything, take clean water,” he advised.

  • Cholera in hard times – By Dakuku Peterside

    Cholera in hard times – By Dakuku Peterside

    Yemen, a West Asian country  in the Arabian Peninsula, reported one million cases of cholera in March 2018. The world shook. At that time, Yemen was in civil war, leading to the Stockholm Agreement between feuding parties. The cholera outbreak in Yemen was linked to conflict, lack of access to clean water, extreme poverty, and the collapse of the health system. An unholy marriage of a conflict and an infectious disease outbreak can render people and health systems powerless and defenseless. Compared to Yemen, Nigeria was recovering from COVID-19 in 2021 when it experienced cholera outbreaks in 29 out of 36 states, affecting 111,062 people. Key drivers of the 2021 cholera outbreak in Nigeria were flooding, poor health facilities, lack of access to clean water, reduced hygiene, and poverty, some of which are persistent challenges in Nigeria’s development equation.

    As of 2023, Nigeria has reported over 60,000 suspected cholera cases, resulting in several hundred deaths. The outbreak has affected multiple states, with the North bearing the highest burden. By mid-2024, Nigeria is still grappling with cholera outbreaks. While Nigeria is not in a civil war like Yemen and is not experiencing flooding in 29 states, the country is dealing with cholera outbreaks of alarming proportions. Following a dynamic risk assessment, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated its emergency center as the death toll from the recent cholera outbreak, prevalent in 31 states, reached 53 nationwide. The situation is urgent and requires immediate attention.

    Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which can lead to dehydration and death if not promptly treated. Nigeria has faced recurring cholera outbreaks, often exacerbated by conflicts, displacement, and natural disasters. A multitude of factors contributes to the persistence and severity of these outbreaks.

    Firstly, conflict and displacement exacerbate the issue. Ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Northeast region, have displaced millions. Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps often lack proper sanitation facilities and clean water, creating ideal conditions for cholera to spread. Secondly, the rainy season (usually from May to October) frequently leads to flooding, contaminating water sources and increasing the risk of cholera. Flood-prone areas and communities living along riverbanks are particularly vulnerable. Thirdly, while urban areas might have better healthcare infrastructure, rural communities often lack healthcare, clean water, and sanitation infrastructure. This disparity increases the disease’s impact in less accessible regions. Fourthly, Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and shortages of medical supplies and personnel. During outbreaks, these weaknesses hinder effective response and treatment.

    The current cholera outbreak situation approaches emergency dimensions because the infection is spreading during an economically and socially challenging time for the nation. Hard times and infectious diseases are a devastating combination, making people more susceptible to infections. The poorest and most deprived are the most vulnerable. The challenge of hunger, malnutrition, lack of access to potable water, inability to pay for essential food items, and dearth of healthcare facilities is real in Nigeria. Unfortunately, our governors and federal government officials are engrossed in constructing roads and bridges that only the living can use. Somehow, we are deaf to the cries of poverty and hunger all around us. We only hear the sirens of politicians and the elite . Fighting epidemics like cholera and Lassa fever is not a priority.

    NCDC has been outstanding in its work. The agency has consistently demonstrated what a proactive and functional government department can achieve. We are also fortunate to have two ministers of health who have the clarity and determination to tackle the most complex challenges. However, fighting an epidemic requires addressing the social conditions that make people vulnerable. Hunger and poverty are health hazards in themselves.

    Current efforts in affected areas are primarily focused on seeking medical solutions rather than a combined approach. If people continue to consume unhygienic food and water, the risk of infections increasing to epidemic proportions and disease strains becoming more resistant is high. A combination of vaccination, access to potable water, food security, improved hygiene, enhanced nutritional value, and extensive public awareness is necessary. We must combat this cholera outbreak as if it were a war. Each of us has a role to play in this fight, from maintaining personal hygiene to advocating for better public health policies.

    Some states have been proactive and exemplary. Under former Governor Dave Umahi, Ebonyi maintained a high vaccination rate, and the current Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has elevated vaccination efforts. States like Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Nasarawa, Niger, and Rivers have prioritized the health of their people over petty political considerations. Jigawa State, according to UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health, was declared the first open defecation-free state in Nigeria. This is a plus in the fight against cholera. Lagos has been exemplary in public health education . Their efforts are inspiring and demonstrate that change is possible. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has also intervened significantly by providing cholera vaccines for nine states, in addition to offering free medical services in rural areas.

    Vaccination offers immediate protection against cholera, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks and saving lives while also complementing long-term solutions. We must address the root causes of the issue—severe poverty, hunger, and the lack of clean water in 34 of Nigeria’s 36 states. These factors make people more susceptible to outbreaks like cholera. To break this cycle, we need targeted policies and initiatives to protect vulnerable populations while expanding health and social welfare services. It’s not just about treating the symptoms but addressing the underlying issues to prevent future outbreaks. It is also time we ramp up public health education as a crucial strategy for combating cholera. Apart from educating, it empowers people to take preventive measures and change behaviours that lead to a reduction in the spread of epidemics.

    Cholera has been a recurring problem in Nigeria for decades, with significant outbreaks recorded throughout the country’s history, often linked to poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and displacement due to conflict or natural disasters. Given its recurrence, Nigeria should have developed better ways to prevent or mitigate its impact. We should have learned numerous lessons from previous outbreaks that would position us well to tackle this epidemic. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. The factors contributing to these outbreaks persist, and little or nothing has been done about them.

    We only react when faced with an outbreak. We implement immediate measures, and once the outbreak subsides, we revert to our old ways, neglecting the long-term actions necessary to prevent cholera outbreaks. How can many cities in Nigeria lack clean, safe pipe-borne water for public use?

    Clean water is a luxury in Nigeria. The middle class can afford so-called “pure water” or bottled water that is anything but pure, given its sources and the poor hygienic conditions under which some of this “pure water” is produced. The working class and the poor still consume highly contaminated water, and many need to be educated on how to treat this contaminated water. The inevitable outcome is cholera outbreaks.

    Many poor Nigerians cannot afford safe water. One liter of bottled water costs about N200. For a family of six, consuming at least three liters per day, the family would spend N3,600 per day and about N108,000 per month on drinking water alone. As of my last check, the minimum wage in this country is still N30,000, excluding the cost of cooking water and other uses. It’s no surprise that there is a persistent and recurring outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera.

    Addressing cholera in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate needs during outbreaks and the underlying causes perpetuating the disease. The government must strengthen healthcare systems to improve outbreak response and treatment capabilities, enhance water and sanitation infrastructure (especially in rural and conflict-affected areas), increase community engagement and education to promote better hygiene practices, and tackle broader socio-economic issues such as hunger, poverty, and widespread illiteracy. We must decisively win the war against cholera once and for all.

  • Cholera: Water safety threatened by improper refuse disposal, open defecation – NCDC

    Cholera: Water safety threatened by improper refuse disposal, open defecation – NCDC

    Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has expressed concern over growing threat to water safety in the country, which triggers outbreak of water-borne diseases, including cholera.

    Its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, expressed worry in an interview with NAN on Sunday in Abuja, stressing that improper refuse disposal and open defecation practices are endangering the quality of water sources used for drinking and for personal use.

    The centre announced an outbreak of cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which has spread to more than 30 states of the federation.

    The centre also reports that as of June 24, 2024, there were 1,528 suspected cholera cases, 65 confirmed cases and 53 deaths across 107 local government areas in 31 states, reflecting a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.

    The most affected states include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.

    The NCDC boss, therefore, urged Nigerians to adopt safe sanitation practices and called on state governments to enforce stricter waste management regulations, saying “unsafe practices lead to contamination of water bodies.

    “We must take responsibility to ensure the safety of our water. Proper waste disposal and elimination of open defecation are crucial in this direction.

    “There is also the need for public education and awareness about the importance of hygiene and proper sanitation practices amid rising concerns about the spread of diseases such as cholera and typhoid, which thrive in unsanitary conditions.”

    He explained that as the rainy season sets in, the risk of water contamination may be heightened, hence the need for communities to take immediate action.

    “We need collective efforts to protect our water sources and ensure the health and well-being of all Nigerians,” he said.

    He listed measures taken to curtail the disease to include efforts made by the multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, led by NCDC, comprising federal ministries of environment and water resources, and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

    He said “World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other partners have been providing support to affected states.

    “The support includes risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, provision of response commodities, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, and dissemination of cholera awareness jingles in both English and local languages.

    “President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to establish a committee to oversee the cholera emergency operation centre operated by the NCDC.

    “This committee will include members from the ministries of health, finance, water resources, environment, youth, aviation and education.

    “The initiative aims to reduce open defecation with support from state governments.”

    Idris said the NCDC activated the emergency operation centre to address the outbreak.

    He, however, stressed the urgent need for improved sanitation practices and access to clean water to combat the outbreak.

    Meanwhile, Lagos State accounts for the highest number of the cholera deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two, while Kano, Nasarawa and Cross River recorded one each.

    The alarming trend highlights the urgent need for coordinated response to prevent further escalation of the crisis, especially in affected states.

  • FG upbeat on curtailing spread of cholera

    FG upbeat on curtailing spread of cholera

    Federal Government has promised to curtail the spread of cholera through effective hygiene and sanitation practices in the country.

    Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, gave this assurance on Friday at the commemoration of the 2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day (NESD) at Chika community, FCT.

    NESD is commemorated on June 28 annually.

    “The ongoing Cholera outbreak in the country comes as a stark reminder that when we fail to prioritise proper environmental sanitation, our public health is jeopardised and our economy adversely affected.

    “Nigeria is experiencing the adverse impact of climate change as evidenced by the shift in seasons, rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events like floods, droughts and heat waves with undeniable health consequences.’’

    The minister said that the commemoration of 2024 NESD with the theme “Environmental Sanitation in the Era of Climate Change and the sub-theme “Go Greener, Stay Clean, Climate Change is Real”  was apt.

    According to him, the combination of climate change and poor sanitation, without doubt, poses a double jeopardy to the health of the planet and all creatures on it.

    “Our presence here today is to underscore our agenda to transform Chika into a model community for good environmental sanitation practices that can inspire positive changes in other communities.

    “This year’s theme is particularly apt considering the devastating impacts of climate change on our planet and the current resurgence of cholera being experienced in our country as in several other parts of the world,’’ he said.

    Dr Alexander Chimbaru, the Representative of the World Health Organisation, said that the promotion of personal and environmental hygiene in local communities helped to reduce communicable diseases such as cholera.

    “An aggressive adoption of environmental hygiene practices and WASH measures in our communities is needed more urgently to prevent the ongoing spread of cholera in the country.

    “Climate change is impacting health in a myriad of ways, including by leading to death and illness from increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as heat waves, storms and floods.

    “It is high time as a country to promote actions that both reduce carbon emissions and improve health,” Chimbaru said.

    Responding, Chief of Chika community,  Istifanus Shegaje, appealed to the minister  to help the community with a compartment  to enhance proper waste disposal.

    He urged residents in the community to imbibe sustainable environment friendly practices, reduce carbon footprint and conserve their natural resources.

    “Together, we can make a difference and ensure a safer, greener and healthier lifestyle both for the present and posterity,’’ he said.

    Shegaje also appealed to the FCT administration to help construct concrete drainages and build asphalt roads within the community.

    He expressed optimism that by such gesture, the community would enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • FG reactivates water labs to curb cholera

    FG reactivates water labs to curb cholera

    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.