Cholera: Hensard University sensitises students on preventive measures

By Ajiri Daniels

Following reported outbreak of cholera across States in Nigeria, the Management of Hensard University in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, has advised students of the University to be on high alert against the epidemic.

This advisory also comes on the heels of the notice recently issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), calling for heightened vigilance and adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of cholera, especially in riverine communities.

A delegation from the University’s Medical Centre, led by its Medical Director, Dr. Andrew Igbafe on Tuesday June 25, 2024, convened a one-day sensitisation programme on campus to educate students on the causes of cholera and ways to mitigate its spread

Dr. Igbafe stated that the programme was part of the University’s proactive efforts to engage with students through group discussions on preventive measures, as well as monitoring and reporting incidences of cholera.

He urged the students to keep a clean environment, drink safe water, wash their hands regularly, practice safe food handling, cooking and storage among others.

“The purpose of this event is to sensitise the students and the staff following the recent cholera outbreak that is ravaging states across Nigeria, of which Bayelsa is among. The best way to tackle the spread of this epidemic is through sensitisation campaigns like this, on the preventive measures.

“The signs and symptoms of cholera, as well as the various ways in which it spreads, have been explained to the students. They have also learned how to protect themselves by following some of the preventive measures we have taught them.

“Cholera spreads through water and food contamination, as well as poor sanitation and hygiene. When we consume food and water that have been contaminated, without cooking or boiling properly, we are likely to come up with cholera infection,” Dr. Igbafe said.

Commending the initiative, the Dean of Student’s Affairs, Rev. Fr. Amos Okhueleigbe, noted that adopting a preventive approach will mitigate the risk of cholera and other diseases caused by contaminated water and food.

While maintaining that the University has an operational readiness strategy to prevent the outbreak, Fr. Okhueleigbe advised the students to abide by all preventive measures to avoid an outbreak of cholera within the University community.