Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, announced that the state has implemented robust safety measures to prevent the spread of cholera, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health’s Press Officer, Bisi Lawani, in Akure on Tuesday, Ajaka said the state is surveilling and committed to providing an immediate response to potential cholera cases.
Dr. Ajaka revealed that two cholera cases were reported in Okitipupa Local Government Area earlier this year, but quick action by the state’s rapid response team effectively contained the outbreak.
“The state’s rapid response team, comprising primary health care coordinators, lab focal persons, and disease surveillance officers across the three senatorial districts, has been bolstered through the COPREP programme,” Ajaka said.
He elaborated that the COPREP programme has enhanced the surveillance team with community informants and contact tracers who have undergone training and are on stipends for eight months.
These people will be deployed for active case searches in preparation for any future cholera outbreaks.
Ajaka also announced the formation of an emergency preparedness committee.
“This committee will address critical issues such as the provision of potable water, sanitation, and the strengthening of health institutions. It will be a collaborative effort involving various agencies within the health sector and other ministries, including Environment, Agriculture, Information, Water Resources, and the Waste Management Agency,” he explained.
He said that an incident management system will be established through the Emergency Operations Centre.
This system will facilitate case detection, isolation, and treatment, including handling complications.
Additionally, the government will engage in mass media campaigns and community outreach to raise awareness and sensitise the public about cholera prevention.
Dr. Ajaka urged residents to maintain high levels of personal and food hygiene and to promptly report any cases of diarrhoea and vomiting to healthcare facilities.
