Professor Akin Abayomi
Lagos activates health emergency operations centre to stem cholera outbreak
The Lagos State government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba.
This was in the wake of the outbreak of a contagious cholera reoorted across many local government areas.
Giving an update on the outbreak, the Lagos State Ministry of Health confirmed 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across various local government areas, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.
It stated that the outbreak involves the Cholera subtype O-1, known for causing more severe disease, with the number of new cases per day varying across the areas, reflecting the dynamic nature of the outbreak.
According to the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the ongoing surveillance and intervention efforts are important because there has been a decrease in cases in previously affected areas but a rise in new cases in other regions.
He said residents should adhere strictly to personal and environmental hygiene measures to curb the spread of the disease.
”The activation of the PHEOC and the ongoing surveillance and monitoring efforts reflect our proactive measures to control the outbreak.
”The state government is working closely with healthcare providers to ensure rapid response and treatment for affected individuals.
”Community members are encouraged to maintain high standards of hygiene, including using clean water, practising safe food handling, and maintaining sanitation in their surroundings.
”Public health campaigns are also being intensified to educate the population about preventive measures,” he said.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) urged the Lagos State Government to urgently provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities to communities to combat the cholera outbreak.
Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, stressed the need for improved healthcare systems to reduce fatalities associated with cholera.
Lafoucrier said it is importance for state policies to focus on sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, strengthened health systems, and state-led educational campaigns on cholera prevention.
She said a comprehensive approach is essential to alleviate cholera outbreaks, emphasizing the need for effective community engagement strategies to halt transmission.
According to her, ”The cholera outbreak in Lagos highlights the urgent need for improved water and sanitation facilities, robust healthcare systems, and continuous public education on hygiene practices.
”With coordinated efforts from the government, international organizations like UNICEF, and the community, the spread of cholera can be controlled, and future outbreaks can be prevented.”
Only recently, the Rivers State Government also reported cholera outbreak in the Ngo village of the Andoni Local Government Area.
In a voice note sent to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, emphasized the importance of residents seeking medical attention at primary healthcare facilities if they experience any health issues.
”This advisory comes in response to recent nationwide reports of cholera outbreaks in various states across Nigeria,” she stated.