Cholera: FG Urges Nigerians to be More Vigilant, Imbibe Good Hygiene, Sanitation

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government has called on all Nigerians to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace, as well as take preventive measures to combat the spread of cholera.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) hag confirmed the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria as part of the global resurgence of cases of cholera, classifying it as “grade 3 public health emergency”. Salako said the outbreak required maximal WHO system wide response.
Nigeria was identified as one of the 14 countries in Africa where the resurgence was being experienced.
The minister said, “The Federal Ministry of Environment is deeply concerned about the ongoing cholera outbreak in some states of Nigeria, which has tragically claimed many lives and affected many communities.
“Recent situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicated a total number of 1,159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths across 30 states.
“The states most affected, contributing 90 per cent of the total cases, include, Bayelsa, Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta, and Katsina.”
Salako added, “To prevent the spread of cholera, we urge all Nigerians to be more vigilant, imbibe good s